GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) — A state judge has dismissed three sex-related charges filed against a Great Falls High senior in a football locker room hazing case, saying the charges were "excessive."

Alex Botina-Roehm was charged with rape and two counts of sexual assault for allegedly coming up behind two boys in the shower and lifting them up from the ground by placing his arm between their legs.

District Judge Dirk Sandefur said Thursday a conviction "would result in an 18-year-old high school, student being subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of four years in state prison ... and being subject to a lifetime sex offender registration."

Sandefur said the assaults were "patently offensive" and deserved to be prosecuted. He gave Cascade County prosecutors 20 days to file new charges. They could also appeal the dismissal.

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