Charges asked to be dropped against Rider University officials in hazing case

[Denise_DPhiE]

Associated Press
August 28, 2007

Judge Drops Hazing Charges Against Rider U. Officials in Case of Fraternity
Pledge's Death

By TOM HESTER
The Associated Press

TRENTON, N.J. -- A judge on Tuesday dismissed charges against two Rider
University officials in a case involving the drinking death of a fraternity
pledge.

Superior Court Judge Maria Sypek approved a request by Mercer County Prosecutor Joseph Bocchini to dismiss the aggravated hazing counts against Dean of Students Anthony Campbell and Ada Badgley, the school's director of Greek life.

The two administrators and three Rider students were indicted on Aug. 3 in
connection with the death of freshman Gary DeVercelly Jr., 18, of Long
Beach, Calif.

However, prosecutors said they decided there wasn't enough evidence to take
the officials to trial.

DeVercelly died March 30, a day after drinking at a party at the Phi Kappa
Tau fraternity on the private college's campus. Authorities said he had a
blood-alcohol level of 0.426 percent, more than five times New Jersey's
legal limit for driving.

Badgley was unaware of the events that led to DeVercelley's death, said her
attorney, David Laigaie. "Ms. Badgley cannot be guilty of a crime for
something that she did not participate in or have knowledge of," Laigaie said.

Campbell's attorney, Rocco Cipparone Jr., welcomed Tuesday's decision as
"the correct and only result."

DeVercelly family attorney Douglas Fierberg said the family was shocked.

The three students still face charges and have pleaded not guilty.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press.