Ex-student in body fluids case seeks probation program

A white former University of Hartford student accused of smearing body fluids on her black roommate's belongings has asked for a probation program that could result in criminal charges being erased.
Brianna Brochu, 18, of Harwinton, applied for accelerated rehabilitation Tuesday in Hartford Superior Court. A hearing on the application is set for March 12.
Brochu has been charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief and breach of peace.
According to police, Brochu wrote on Instagram back in October about rubbing used tampons on her roommate's backpack and putting her roommate's toothbrush "where the sun doesn't shine." Her roommate says she developed throat pain shortly after the post.
Civil rights advocates have called for hate crime charges, but a prosecutor says there's no evidence of a hate crime.
Brochu's lawyer says Brochu's actions weren't racially motivated.
AP wire services helped contribute to this report.