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Nine people, six of which are students, have been arrested by the Brockport Police Department following a hazing investigation. The investigation revealed instances of hazing and animal torture.
The organization operated as a fraternity, however, its charter was revoked by the Delta Sigma Phi national fraternity in 2001.
While “The Delts” had been on Brockport police’s radar for years due to complaints from students and community members, University Police Chief Dan Vasile said that it wasn’t until two pledges came forward that charges could be filed. Investigators believe that other members were “too intimidated” to speak up.
The nine men face various charges, such as misdemeanor counts of hazing, criminal nuisance, assault and alcohol-related unlawfully dealing with a child. Furthermore, one individual was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and two others were charged with animal cruelty
The animal cruelty charges were filed due to the fraternities “the use of a rat” during hazing.
The individuals arrested are:
-Andrew William Peterson: Penal law-hazing first degree, two counts; criminal nuisance second degree, two counts; assault third degree-intent to cause physical injury; unlawfully dealing with a child first degree (alcohol)
-Nickolas Antonio Buffa: Agriculture and markets law-torture/injure/not feed animal; penal law-hazing first degree
-Jacob Benjamen Manolt: Penal law-hazing first degree; criminal nuisance second degree
-Jacob William Parker: Penal law-hazing first degree; criminal nuisance second degree; unlawfully dealing with a child first degree (alcohol)
-Mussey Tesfai Tella: Penal law-hazing first degree, two counts; criminal nuisance second degree, two counts; assault third degree-intent to cause physical injury
-Leo Woon Keul Chai: Agriculture and markets law-torture/injure/not feed animal; penal law-hazing first degree; criminal nuisance second degree; assault third degree-intent to cause physical injury
-Connor Brett Reed: Penal law-criminal possession of a controlled substance seventh degree; hazing first degree; criminal nuisance second degree
-Brian Christopher Halpin: Penal law-hazing first degree; criminal nuisance second degree
-Tyler Francis Ryan: Penal law-hazing first degree; criminal nuisance second degree.
According to the Democrat & Chronicle, of the nine persons charged, Peterson, Tella and Ryan are not current students. Eight of them are scheduled to be arraigned in Brockport Village court on Friday, December 8.
Stephen Siciliano, the owner of the house that “The Delts” lived in, emailed a statement to the Democrat & Chronicle, saying “I fully support the efforts of the Brockport Village Police, SUNY Brockport Police and SUNY Brockport officials. I called a meeting with the appropriate parties in October to get a handle of the situation. I complied and helped with the requests of the investigation. Since the beginning, I have been proactive about the situation and will continue to support the Brockport Police, The College of Brockport and the community.”
