A special Fox 28 report: excerpt follows
Criminal charges are being filed against seven members of an unsanctioned SUNY Canton fraternity involved in an alleged off-campus hazing incident.
Canton Police Sgt. Basil Cheney tells 7 News that criminal summonses are being issued for the former Zeta Alpha Phi fraternity members.
The seven will face misdemeanor first degree hazing charges.
Cheney said he consulted with the district attorney’s office and the victim and “the victim has decided to pursue charges and in ths case, we’ve drawn up paperwork and we’re going to be getting criminal summonses shortly.”
Cheney declined to release the names of the students until they are arrested.
All those charged will appear in Canton village court January 22.
The alleged hazing incident occurred at the 72 Miner Street fraternity house on or around November 4.
One student was allegedly branded with the letter Z with a hot coat hanger while another was severely bruised after being repeatedly struck on the buttocks with a paddle.
“We’re fortunate that the victim wasn’t seriously injured,” Cheney said.
As a result, the college expelled two students and suspended five others.
