3 University of Alabama fraternity members charged in hazing initiations

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Three men are charged with hazing members of their fraternity chapter at the University of Alabama, according to court documents.

A deposition states on the night of Aug. 25, prospective members of Pi Kappa Phi — referred to as “pledges” — were led into the fraternity house’s band room. Active members then ordered the group to kneel on the floor as they were shoved, stepped on and yelled at. Items were also thrown at the pledges and beer was poured on them.

Additionally, on Aug. 28, pledges were lined up against a wall in the fraternity’s TV room. Active members then shoved, hit and yelled at the group as they did physical exercises such as wall sits and push-ups.

Both incidents were recorded on video and presented as evidence to UA’s Police Department. Aug. 25 was described as the chapter’s “Rules Night” and part of initiation, the report states.

Following UAPD’s investigations, warrants were signed on Oct. 11 for the following three suspects:

• 20-year-old Grant Rakers
• 22-year-old Joshua Ferrito
• 22-year-old Christopher Molineaux

According to case records, all three admitted to witnessing the band and TV room hazings but did not intervene or report the incidents. Alabama law criminalizes not reporting hazing under 16-1-23(c) of the state code.

UA’s communications department issued the following statement on the investigation:

The University of Alabama strictly prohibits hazing and thoroughly investigates allegations, including appropriate coordination with law enforcement and Greek chapter national organizations. An investigation into hazing violations reported at Pi Kappa Phi is ongoing and led to UAPD serving warrants against several members this week. Hazing violates University policy, the Code of Student Conduct, and the law, and it is a matter that the University takes seriously. The University recently updated its hazing policy to strengthen accountability and reporting requirements, and information about resolved hazing violation cases is published on the endhazing.sl.ua.edu website.

The University of Alabama’s official statement

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.