5 Charged in College Hazing that Caused Student to Leave School

Oct 03,2017

College hazing is a serious but underreported problem at campuses across the nation. Although most schools have policies forbidding hazing, and 44 states have specific laws against hazing, the intimidation, humiliation and physical harm to students continues.

Wheaton College Hazing Suspects Charged

In one such case, officials are working to have justice served. Five football players at Wheaton College were charged last month for their role in a 2016 hazing incident against a freshman player. The players have been suspended from practice and football games after being charged with aggravated battery, mob action and unlawful restraint.

According to the charges, the victim was restrained with duct tape, beaten and left half naked on a baseball field. The 19-year-old was also subjected to hate speech and sexual assault during the attack. He suffered two labrum tears, which required surgery. The victim also withdrew from the school shortly after the incident.

Wheaton College hired an investigator after the incident. The school announced that the actions of the students were “entirely unacceptable and inconsistent with the values we share as human beings.” The college reported that it was taking corrective actions, but did not specify what those were. According to the Chicago Tribune, several players were given 50 hours of community service. The were also asked to write an eight-page essay reflecting on their behavior.

The accused players turned themselves into the police department and were released on bale. The players charged are James Cooksey, Kyler Kregel, Noah Spielman, Benjamin Pettway and Samuel TeBos. The players are all between the ages of 21 and 22.

Walter Clark Legal Group Represents Hazing Victims

Walter Clark Legal Group takes hazing very seriously, and the firm has represented victims of hazing. Our most recent case involved a fraternity hazing that tragically resulted in severe burns to a pledge. The victim had been blindfolded and placed next to a bonfire. The student in charge of the initiation then threw gasoline on the fire to scare the pledges, but the gasoline also hit the victim and burned him. Those involved then refused medical aid to the victim to avoid being caught.

“College hazing is a totally unacceptable practice that must be ended. These are young adults who know right from wrong and are willfully choosing to harm others. They need to be charged for their criminal behavior, not given a slap on the wrist by school administrators trying to protect their image,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.