Franklin DA will prosecute three teens

POTSDAM — The Franklin County district attorney's office will prosecute three teens accused of having sexual contact with a 16-year-old girl without her consent at Clarkson University's summer hockey camp.

Franklin County District Attorney Derek P. Champagne said his office was given the Potsdam Village Court case. He didn't know the nature of the conflict the St. Lawrence County district attorney's office had that triggered the shift.

St. Lawrence County District Attorney Nicole M. Duvé didn't return a call for comment Tuesday.

Demetri J. Sakaris, 19, Candiac, Quebec; Jordan A. Ciccarello, 18, New Hartford, Conn., and Patrick M. McEachen, 18, Stouffville, Ontario, all were charged by state police with sexual misconduct and child endangerment, both misdemeanors. All three have been arraigned in Village Court.

Mr. Champagne said he's been trying to contact the teens' attorneys to discuss the case. He declined to comment on whether plea offers will be extended.

Under state law, a defendant convicted on a sexual misconduct charge must register as a sex offender. The three could serve up to a year in jail and be fined if convicted.

Mr. Ciccarello and Mr. McEachen, both defensemen, were expected to play this season for the Golden Knights. The players have not been allowed to participate in team activities. Clarkson suspended them for the 2009-10 school year, according to school sources.

Clarkson's vice president of external relations, Kelly O. Chezum, said last month neither was enrolled as a student.

Mr. Sakaris was looking to attend Clarkson to play in 2011. The incidents allegedly happened on campus in early July.