Hazing Charges Dropped Against College Officials
Prosecutors have dropped charges against two Rider University officials charged with aggravated hazing in the death of a fraternity pledge.
Prosecutor Skylar Weissman of Mercer County, N.J., told a judge yesterday that there was insufficient evidence to proceed, the New Jersey Law Journal reports. Charges were dismissed against dean of students Anthony Campbell and director of fraternity life Ada Badgley.
Hazing charges remain against three fraternity leaders.
Pledge Greg DeVercelly of Phi Kappa Tau died in March after a night of drinking. His blood-alcohol content was five times the legal limit.
Defense lawyers unrelated to the case had criticized the prosecution, saying a criminal indictment appeared to be a stretch.
Campbell’s attorney, Rocco Cipparone Jr., said after the dismissal that he and his client had always been confident of an exoneration. He said Campbell never would have condoned or facilitated the conduct that led to DeVercelly’s death.
