HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that two former Penn State University students have pleaded guilty to hazing and reckless endangerment. The charges stem from a 2017 hazing incident at a fraternity where they held leadership positions.
Brendan Young and Daniel Casey each pleaded guilty this week in Centre County Court. They admitted to 14 counts of hazing and one count of reckless endangerment, all misdemeanors. Sentencing is set for October 1.
Young, 28, served as president of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, while Casey, 27, was vice president and pledge master during the February 2017 incident.
The events of that night resulted in the tragic death of sophomore Timothy Piazza. Piazza was one of 14 pledges who participated in an initiation event referred to as an “obstacle course.” The pledges were required to consume large amounts of alcohol. Piazza was found unresponsive the next morning and died days later from injuries sustained in multiple falls due to his intoxication.
“There should be no discussion of this case without recognizing the tragic loss of life and resulting devastation for Mr. Piazza’s family and friends,” Attorney General Henry said. “Mr. Piazza was simply seeking to join a social organization for the benefits of community and shared experiences, as so many university students do. Most of those students go on to successful lives and careers — basic expectations following college which Mr. Piazza never had the opportunity to experience.”
The Office of Attorney General took over the cases from the Centre County District Attorney’s Office. The prosecution faced delays due to appeals of pre-trial court rulings.
The 14 hazing counts correspond to each member of the Spring 2017 pledge class subjected to the event. The reckless endangerment charge specifically pertains to Piazza.
The Piazza family played a key role in the Pennsylvania legislature’s passage of the Timothy Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. This law includes a felony offense when serious injury or death occurs as a result of hazing.
Chief Deputy Attorney General Brian Zarallo and Deputy Attorney General Julia van Leeuwen are prosecuting the cases.
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