Story link: Alpha member gets 180 days in jail for hazing and 10 years’ probation, not 20 years in prison

JUSTIN COOK/DMN

Raymond Lee wipes tears after learning of his punishment. The victim, Braylon Curry, (left) nearly died after chugging water. Classes kept him away from Monday’s proceedings.

Both options weighed on jurors’ minds as they considered how to punish the first of eight men charged in an SMU fraternity initiation that involved chugging water and caused a pledge to nearly die.

They returned with a little of both Monday, according to relatives of the defendant and victim. Raymond Lee received 10 years’ probation, a $10,000 fine and 180 days in jail.

The 28-year-old DeSoto fitness trainer was convicted Friday of aggravated assault in connection with the November 2003 off-campus ritual of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.