Former Penn State Fraternity Leaders Plead Guilty to Hazing

Brendan Young and Daniel Casey, former president and vice president of a Penn State fraternity, have pleaded guilty to misdemeanors related to the 2017 hazing death of pledge Timothy Piazza. The pleas came during a video court session in Centre County. Sentencing is set for October. Attorney General Michelle Henry noted "the tragic loss of life and resulting devastation for Mr. Piazza's family and friends."

Young and Casey admitted to 14 counts of hazing and one count of reckless endangerment. Piazza, a 19-year-old engineering student, consumed at least 18 drinks in under two hours. Security footage captured his fall down basement steps and subsequent struggles on a couch. Jim Piazza, Timothy's father, expressed relief at the case nearing its end. "While none of this brings him back, it does begin to give us some closure," he stated. Prosecutors had struggled to secure more serious charges against fraternity members, but several pleaded guilty to hazing and alcohol violations. Some entered diversion programs.

Penn State banned the fraternity after Piazza's death, and new state legislation now makes severe hazing a felony. The law also mandates anti-hazing policies for schools and allows the confiscation of fraternity houses where hazing has occurred. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)