8TH GRADERS FACE LEWDNESS, DRUG CHARGES

(BELMAR, N.J.) - Residents in Belmar, New Jersey, are shocked with the
Monmouth County prosecutor's decision to charge a group of eighth
graders with drug possession, lewdness, simple assault and improper
touching. Investigators say the group of boys returning from a dance
in Manasquan exposed themselves, and tried to smoke marijuana during
the ride on the school bus. Members of the same group were later
accused of touching fellow students on the backsides in the school
playground during recess. The students have not been identified
because of their age. School officials say the boys have already been
suspended from school, but would not comment further on the
allegations.