WARREN — Criminal warrants have been authorized against seven Warren De La Salle Collegiate High School students related to a hazing incident first reported in October last year. 

Warren Police Chief William Dwyer said the charges result from witnesses, including two alleged victims, coming forward in recent weeks after the St. Clair County Prosecutor determined not to issue warrants from the original investigation, citing a lack of evidence.

After the case was dismissed, two alleged victims came forward, upset the case was initially dropped, Dwyer told The Detroit News. Dwyer said five of the defendants are 18 and will be charged for assault or aggravated assault as adults and two were 16 at the time and will be processed as juveniles. 

The offenses are misdemeanors punishable by up to 93 days in jail and fines. 

De La Salle forfeited its opening-round game in the state playoffs after the hazing allegations came to light. De La Salle dismissed football coach Michael Giannone and triggered a lawsuit concerning the suspension of three students who claim they were singled out because of their race. 

The school contacted the Warren Police Department and turned the investigation over to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office, who in turn handed the case to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, who appointed the St. Clair County Prosecutor’s Office to the case.