Beta K-State escort policy to be reviewed

[hoosier]

Mon, Feb. 09, 2004
Fraternity says it was not hazing that landed member in car's trunk
Associated Press


MANHATTAN, Kan. - The national leadership of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity has determined an incident that landed a member of the Kansas State University chapter in a car's trunk until he called police was an accident, not a hazing ritual.

"It was not hazing related," said Judson Horras, director of chapter development with the Beta Theta Pi General Fraternity in Oxford, Ohio. "It wasn't an intentional act."

No charges are expected to be filed in the case, which Riley County Police Department Lt. Kurt Moldrup described as a fraternity prank.

Horras said Michael Farrell climbed into the trunk of another fraternity member's car without the driver's knowledge after a costume party Thursday night. Farrell, who was wearing a dress, fell asleep before arriving back at the fraternity house, Horras said.

A locksmith freed Farrell from the car about 6 a.m. Friday, after Farrell called 911 on his cellular phone.

Horras said he could not comment on how Farrell got into the trunk without the driver's help because the general fraternity's investigation is ongoing.

Horras said the general fraternity will review the chapter's escort policy to make sure a similar incident does not happen again.