Attorney General Henry Announces Guilty Pleas in Penn State Hazing Incident
HARRISBURG — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that two former Penn State University students have pleaded guilty to hazing and reckless endangerment for their roles in a 2017 fraternity hazing incident. Brendan Young and Daniel Casey each entered guilty pleas this week in Centre County Court to 14 counts of hazing and one count of reckless endangerment, all misdemeanors. Sentencing is scheduled for October 1.
Young served as president of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, while Casey was vice president and pledge master at the time of the February 2017 offenses. Sophomore Timothy Piazza, who was among the pledges participating in a bid acceptance event that night, was found unresponsive the next morning after consuming large quantities of alcohol during an initiation referred to as an "obstacle course." Piazza died days later from multiple falls incurred subsequent to his intoxication.
"There should be no discussion of this case without recognizing the tragic loss of life and resulting devastation for Mr. Piazza’s family and friends," said Attorney General Henry. "Mr. Piazza was simply seeking to join a social organization for the benefits of community and shared experiences, as so many university students do."
The Office of Attorney General accepted referrals for Young and Casey's cases from the Centre County District Attorney’s Office. The criminal prosecution has taken significant time due to appeals of pre-trial court rulings.
The 14 counts of hazing represent one count for each member of the Spring 2017 pledge class subjected to the obstacle course, while the reckless endangerment charge pertains specifically to Piazza.
The Piazza family played a crucial role in passing Pennsylvania's Timothy Piazza Anti-Hazing Law, which includes felony-graded offenses when serious injury or death results.
Chief Deputy Attorney General Brian Zarallo and Deputy Attorney General Julia van Leeuwen are prosecuting these cases.