Charges / Allegations of Hazing (Delta Tau Delta at Ohio U)

[exlurker]

Delta Tau Delta’s chapter at Ohio U (that’s Ohio U, not “The Ohio State U") is facing allegations / charges of hazing. See:

http://www.whiznews.com/content/news...ed-with-hazing

Excerpts:
One Ohio University fraternity is facing hazing charges after two pledges were sent to the hospital. . . .
Delta Tau Delta's hearing is set for November 23rd at 8 a.m.

Another short news blip appears here:

http://www.10tv.com/live/content/loc...g.html?sid=102

Edited to Add The Smoking Gun's site has a writeup and what seem to be police reports about the incident and the alleged injuries to the pledges. See:

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive...091ohiou1.html

[Senusret I]

Oh nooooo! That's DeltAlum's chapter!

(Ain't it?)

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Oh nooooo! That's DeltAlum's chapter!

(Ain't it?)

Correct.

[exlurker]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Oh nooooo! That's DeltAlum's chapter!

(Ain't it?)

I think you're right! Sad.

[Kappamd]

I am 95% sure this is my brother's best friend's chapter. Sad to hear.

[AOII_panda]

Maybe they shouldn't beat their new members

[ForeverRoses]

I doubt the alums will be very happy to hear about this since they just spent a ton of money to completely remodel the house.

Delta Tau Delta was actually off campus for a year while I was there (the dark ages) but they still had recognition from thier national office, so they still functioned as usual, just without participating in greek week or homecoming. And then when they did recieve official recognition from the university, they had this amazingly huge pledge class (all the guys they rushed underground) that was initiated right away.

[exlurker]

Update Nov. 18, 2009

See
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content...a.html?sid=101

Excerpt:

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:22 AM
By Randy Ludlow

The Columbus Dispatch
The international headquarters of Delta Tau Delta has directed its Ohio University chapter to suspend operations while officials investigate allegations of hazing.

. . . Members can continue to live in the fraternity house, but may not participate in any social activities or recruit new members, said Jim Russell, executive vice president of the Fishers, Ind.-based fraternity.
. . .

[DeltAlum]

Originally Posted by AOII_panda

Maybe they shouldn't beat their new members

Hello. I haven't been posting or moderating for quite a while (except in the Broadway thread every couple of months) but still check for messages every couple of weeks. I heard about this situation from a Beta Chapter Delt the day before yesterday or so and felt I should check in here.

If these allegations are true, I can't help but agree with Panda. That shouldn't surprise anyone. If they are true, I am very sad.

I was on campus in October, and visited the newly restored shelter. The renovation cost WELL over a million dollars. What a shame it will be if the oldest continuously active chapter in the Fraternity (since 1862) would be closed at a time when it should be shining.

Unlike many who have posted here in the past when their chapters faced hazing charges, I will not try to defend my chapters alleged actions, but only hope that they are overstated.

Finally, while I will be sad if the allegations are true, I am proud of our International Headquarters for it's forthright handling of the situation so far and following our no tolerance policy in terms of hazing.

Best to all of you.

[exlurker]

DeltAlum, good to know you're still around. Wishing you the best, as always.

[DeltAlum]

Originally Posted by exlurker

DeltAlum, good to know you're still around. Wishing you the best, as always.

Thanks, and the same to you as well.

The annual Delt Colorado Alumni Association holiday party is next week. There's another Ohio University Delt brother from my era who will be there. I'm sure we will have a good time, but the circumstances can't help but make it a little strange.

We will be in good company, though, since there will be a lot of Delts from the former Beta Kappa Chapter at The University of Colorado at Boulder which was closed for the third and final time in the early 1990's. The circumstances are similar in that local alums had just put $1.5 million into the house there.

Bad situation.

Happy Holidays to all.

[DeltAlum]

Here is the latest information from The Post at Ohio University:

I don't find this very encouraging. If these charges are true, it won't bode well for my chapter.

OU charges Delta Tau Delta with hazing
Judiciaries will investigate Nov. 12

Caitlin Bowling • Staff Writer

Ohio University's Delta Tau Delta chapter will fight hazing charges from both the city and university after two pledges were hospitalized last month.

OU referred the fraternity to university judiciaries Monday after completing interviews with students involved in the incident and reading police and resident assistant reports, said Dean of Students Ryan Lombardi.

Since Delta Tau Delta has denied the charges, OU will assemble a panel of university employees and students to hear the fraternity's case, Lombardi said, adding that the hearing will likely be postponed until class resumes.

If found guilty, the fraternity and its members could face probation or expulsion from campus.

The fraternity pleaded not guilty on Nov. 23 to similar charges from the city, and is set to have pretrial hearings on Jan. 21. At the pretrial, the fraternity can choose to set a trial date or bargain with the court for a reduced sentence.

One pledge said he was blindfolded, forced to drink large quantities of alcohol and repeatedly "slapped around" on at a fraternity event Nov. 12, according to a police report. Pledges told police they were told they would not get into the fraternity if they refused drinks or beatings.

Michael Pristera, 18, of Prospect, Ky., sustained multiple injuries including broken bones, a swollen and bloody face, a chipped tooth and handprints on his chest, back and sides.

Other pledges said Pristera could have sustained the injuries at the fraternity house, where they were forced to say "bad things" and were then hit for saying them, Lombardi said.

"There is some question about the extent of (Pristera's) injuries," Lombardi said, adding that it is unknown whether all injuries were sustained at the fraternity house. The severity of university sanctions will vary depending on the severity of injuries and events that actually took place at the house, he said.

Southeastern Ohio Emergency Medical Services responded to a call at Jefferson Hall and transported Pristera, a freshman studying marketing, to O'Bleness.

Pristera was unconscious when the ambulance arrived. He later told police that he did not want to get his friends in trouble. "He did not want to lose his friends or the Delt house so he didn't want to say anything," said Officer Jeremy Emerick in the report.

Pristera was discharged from O'Bleness on Nov. 13.

Thomas Rotar, 18, of Chardon, Ohio entered O'Bleness at about 2:30 a.m. and said he was also assaulted at the fraternity. Rotar, a freshman who hasn't declared a major, had visible injuries from being slapped multiple times.

Rotar told police that no one should have to go through what they went through and named nine other pledges who, Rotar said, did not sustain serious injuries. Similar incidents have occurred at Delta Tau Delta before, said Rotar in the report.

Pledge who refused to obey fraternity members were "tackled to the ground, slapped around and thrown into walls," according to the report.

Rotar was accompanied to O'Bleness by fellow pledge Greg Tropf, whose injuries are unknown. "Rotar was asked to write out a statement and, before he answered, looked over to Tropf. Tropf shook his head no," according to the report.

The university will continue to investigate each member's role in the alleged incident and could sanction individuals, Lombardi said. The national chapter of Delta Tau Delta will base any sanctions on the results of the judicial hearing, he said.

The national chapter announced last week that it will temporarily suspend operations at OU's chapter, including forbidding them from hosting social events, recruit prospective members and educate new members about the fraternity. Members will continue to live in the fraternity house.

"The international Fraternity takes these allegations seriously," said Jim Russell, executive vice president of the national chapter, in a press release. "We are working closely with the University officials to investigate the incident."

Fraternity President Paul Kolbe refused to comment.

The fraternity's only prior complaints are two noise violations.

Hazing is a fourth-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum 30 days in jail and fine of $250 for individuals and $2,000 for organizations. The report also listed felony assault as an offense, but police have yet to charge anyone with assault. Assault is a second-degree felony, punishable by two to eight years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000 for individuals and $20,000 for organizations.

OU has launched its own investigation. If found guilty, the fraternity and its members could face probation or expulsion from campus.

"I am very, very concerned about what I read in the police report," Lombardi said in a previous interview. "This type of behavior is not acceptable."

OU's Delta Tau Delta chapter was founded in 1862 and is the oldest continuously existing chapter in the world, according to the chapter's Web site.

Last academic year, seven deaths were linked to hazing-related activities nationally, according to hazingprevention.org.

[DeltAlum]

Here's the latest from The Post, and independent student newspaper at Ohio.


January 19, 2010
Board recommends suspension for Delta Tau Delta

Caitlin Bowling • Staff Writer

Editor's Note: This article has been corrected from its original version. Ohio University has not suspended the fraternity; a judicial hearing board has recommended the fraternity be suspended for five years. The Post regrets the error.


A hearing board recommended Friday that Ohio University suspend a fraternity accused of hazing its pledges.

Dean of Students Ryan Lombardi must now decide whether to eject Delta Tau Delta from campus for five years.

OU began investigating the fraternity in November after two pledges were hospitalized. Reports from both OU and the city indicated that pledges were blindfolded, forced to drink large quantities of alcohol and repeatedly "slapped around" at a Nov. 12 fraternity event. Pledges told police they were told they would not get into the fraternity if they refused drinks or beatings.

The fraternity can appeal the decision twice. If Delta Tau Delta chooses to appeal, a different judicial board will hear the case. Kent Smith, vice president for Student Affairs, decides all final appeals.

After five years, all current members should have graduated and the organization can start anew, said Dean of Students Ryan Lombardi.

OU will continue to investigate each member's role in the incident and could punish individuals, Lombardi said.

In November, Delta Tau Delta's national chapter temporarily suspended operations in Athens, forbidding local brothers from hosting social events, recruiting prospective members and educating new members about the fraternity. A spokesman for the national chapter has said that any additional punishment would depend on OU's ruling. The national chapter could expel members from the fraternity house.

"I don't think (the national chapter) will make any final decision until after the appeals," Lombardi said.

In May 2008, the fraternity paid Columbus-based construction firm Gutknecht Construction about $2 million to make its house handicap accessible and compliant with city housing codes.

Delta Tau Delta must still face similar, but separate hazing charges from the city.

The fraternity pleaded not guilty Nov. 23 and will have a pretrial hearing Jan. 21.

Hazing is a fourth-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum 30 days in jail and a fine of $2,000 for organizations.

Reports from OU and Athens police shed some light on the events of Nov. 12.

Southeastern Ohio Emergency Medical Services responded to a call at Jefferson Hall and transported Michael Pristera, a freshman studying marketing, to O'Bleness Memorial Hospital.

Pristera, 18, of Prospect, Ky., sustained multiple injuries including broken bones, a swollen and bloody face, a chipped tooth and handprints on his chest, back and sides.

Pristera was unconscious when the ambulance arrived. He later told police that he did not want to get his friends in trouble.

"He did not want to lose his friends or the Delt house so he didn't want to say anything," according to the report. Pristera was discharged from O'Bleness Nov. 13.

Thomas Rotar, 18, of Chardon, Ohio, entered O'Bleness around 2:30 a.m. and said he was also assaulted at the fraternity. Rotar, a freshman who hasn't declared a major, had visible injuries from being slapped multiple times.

Rotar was accompanied to O'Bleness by fellow pledge Greg Tropf, whose injuries are unknown. "Rotar was asked to write out a statement and, before he answered, looked over to Tropf. Tropf shook his head no," according to the report.

Attempts to contact fraternity President Paul Kolbe, the national chapter and Rotar were unsuccessful. Pristera refused to comment.


DeltAlum note: Some quick comments. First, the $2million renovation was much more than meeting ADA standards. The entire house was remodeled, including new kitchen, etc. Second, to the best of my knowledge, Delta Tau Delta does not have a "National Chapter." We call it the Central Office or International Headquarters. After the first article, I wrote to the reporter to tell her that, but she either didn't read the e-mail or doesn't care. Not a big deal either way. Other than that, it seems to me like a pretty straight forward piece of reportage.

From the retraction at the very top, it looks like the paper may have jumped the gun a little, though. The chapter isn't officially suspended at this point, pending the appeal process.

I had heard that this might happen from a Greek official at Ohio last week. It seems to me that five years is a pretty stiff penalty for this, but as I said earlier, I support zero tolerance on behalf of both the University and the Fraternity regarding hazing. My only thought is that I also just read that a fraternity at The University Of Colorado is thinking of recolonizing in Boulder five years after a hazing/alcohol death. Seems to me that there's a little difference between a chipped tooth and a fatality. But, different schools and different cultures I suppose.

I'll wait to see how the appeal process works out.

Finally, it appears that the chapter and the Fraternity are being smart in refusing comment. The Central Office is pretty good an handling this kind of thing by not commenting until investigations are over, etc. Chapters should take note of that.

[ZXDelt304]

Thanks for that post. I agree, I think 5 years is a little too much.

[DeltAlum]

Well, it appears that a couple more steps are completed...

Here's the latest from The Post.

Fraternity president pleads no contest, plans appeal of OU's decision
1/22/2010 2:31:00 AM

Delta Tau Delta President Paul Kolbe sits with the fraternity�s attorney George McCarthy during the arraignment hearing at the City Building yesterday. Kolbe pleaded no contest to hazing charges on behalf of the fraternity.

Caitlin Bowling • Staff Writer

Frank Thomas City Senior Writer

A judge fined Delta Tau Delta $2,000 yesterday for hazing its pledges, hours before Ohio University banned the fraternity from campus for five years.

Separate investigations by Athens police and university judiciaries concluded that fraternity brothers beat pledges and forced them to drink large quantities of alcohol at a Nov. 12 initiation event. Pledges told police that if they refused drinks or beatings, then they would not be inducted into the fraternity.

O'Bleness Memorial Hospital admitted one pledge with severe bruising and another with broken bones, a chipped tooth and swollen lips.

During a hearing yesterday morning, Delta Tau Delta pleaded no contest to the hazing charge.

Municipal Judge William Grim ordered the fraternity to pay the maximum fine and no more than $10,000 in restitution to the two pledges. Grim will finalize a restitution amount within the month.

Pat Lang, Athens City prosecutor, said in a release that he is "pleased that the Court imposed the maximum penalty."

"Hopefully, this will serve as a future warning that the people of Athens will not tolerate this kind of behavior in our city," he said.

Delta Tau Delta President Paul Kolbe declined to comment on the fine or OU's decision.

More than a week after a university hearing board recommended the five-year suspension, Dean of Students Ryan Lombardi approved the punishment.

"It's unfortunate that the series of events has led to this removal from the university," said George McCarthy, the fraternity's attorney, adding that members are "apologetic."

"(Pristera and Rotar) would have been welcomed back with open arms (into the house)," he said.

After receiving official notification of OU's decision, the fraternity will have three days to appeal. The fraternity's national chapter barred it from recruiting new members, educating members about the fraternity and holding Greek events after the charges became public in November.

The fraternity plans to appeal OU's decision, McCarthy said.

Delta Tau Delta can appeal twice - first to another hearing board and next to Kent Smith, vice president for Student Affairs. His decision is final.

Five years is the maximum punishment for hazing, according to the Student Code of Conduct. During the past decade, two other student organizations were suspended for hazing - one for two years and the other for five, Lombardi said.

"(Delta Tau Delta's actions were) more consistent with the group that was suspended for five years," he said, adding that the fraternity can petition OU and ask to return to campus after the suspension ends.

A spokesman for the national chapter has said previously that any additional punishment would depend on OU's ruling. The national chapter could expel members from the fraternity house. OU will require sophomores living in the house to return to the dorms, Lombardi said, adding that they are no longer exempt from living on-campus.

In May 2008, the fraternity paid Columbus-based construction firm Gutknecht Construction about $2 million to make its house handicap accessible and compliant with city housing codes.

McCarthy said in court that the fraternity would lose its house.

A spokesman for the national chapter could not be reached for comment.


DeltAlum comments:

The least important first. It just drives me crazy that this reporter keeps referring to "The National Chapter." We have an International Headquarters, also called The Central Office. We don't have a "National Chapter" that I've ever heard of.

Moving on, there are some things that, to me, are very sad here. First that the longest continuously existing chapter in Delta Tau Delta will likely be closed -- founded in 1862, Beta Chapter would have been 150 years old in just a couple of years. Second, that the chapter will probably lose the house after it and the alumni have just put so much money and effort into its renovation. With the potential restitution payments, fines and loss of the house, this chipped tooth just cost over two million dollars. I'm sure the University is salivating over the prospect of acquiring the property since, with the exception of the Alpha Gam house next door, it already owns everything else on the block. It is a great location, right across from the College Green.

So, I ask my Delt Brothers, and all other Greek brothers and sisters, is hazing worth it? Look at the damage this has caused. Laws were allegedly broken and the proud heritage of one of the oldest Greek Letter Organizations on the Ohio University campus has been sundered. Delts like Galbreath, Konniker and many others who have been important alumni and benefactors to the University would certainly not have been happy to have our chapter's name tarnished in this way.

Finally, I do believe that the length of this suspension is overly long, but that is the way it is. If Delta Tau Delta chooses to recolonize, and I hope it does, it will be many years of hard work before we can regain our status and stature on campus.

Perhaps something will come from the appeals process. Perhaps.

It's a sad day.