SAN MARCOS, Texas -- A fraternity hazing incident has landed 20 Texas State University students in jail.
Hazing is illegal at Texas State University, but students will tell you it's still a common recruiting practice in the Greek system.
"Strapped down to chairs, being forced to chug large amounts of alcohol,” said student Robby Rumley.
Members of the Sigma Nu fraternity are facing accusations of doing something similar.
University police say on Sept. 12, 10 Sigma Nus with the help of 10 female students, picked up students wishing to join the fraternity from their homes. Police say the pledges were blindfolded and told to strip down to their underwear.
They were driven to the Bishop Square Apartments, Northwest of campus. Police say they were led inside an apartment garage, still blindfolded, and were seated on the floor. Police say they were provided with alcohol and told they had to drink in order to get into the fraternity.
In the weeks following, police arrested the 20 students and charged them with hazing or failing to report it. Each charge carries a fine up to $2,000 and a sentence of up to six months in jail.
Those arrested are as follows:
Lindsey Vittone Rose
Sierra Jena Moore
Allison Kay McGlamory
Moriah Anne Guerra
Armita Gina Adibi
Marcus Aurelius Rodriguez
Thomas Ryan Sewell
Zakary Warren Widener
Laney Alexis Betancourt
Zachary James Balod
Joshua Tyler Corley
Kevin Cruz
Wesley Miller
Michelle Christine Witte
Albert Arnold Moreno
Nathan Pena
Staci Lynn Edwards
Scott Aaron Tally
Samantha Rose Moreno
Monica Renee Rickenbacher
This is the second time in recent years that Sigma Nu has been in trouble with the law. In 2003, the university suspended the chapter for two years following a party where fraternity members served alcohol to minors. The president and vice president of the fraternity were arrested for the alcohol charge. Two other members were arrested for assault on a police officer and evading arrest.
A spokesperson at Sigma Nu headquarters in Virginia released a statement to KVUE about the recent accusations.
"The chapter is fully cooperating with police," said Fred Dobry, director of risk reduction. "We take any allegations related to misconduct seriously and we're to investigate concerns fully with university officials and chapter leadership."
If the students involved are convicted, they could be suspended or expelled from school. For more information on the university’s hazing policy click here.
