Beta Theta Pi Prosecutions: A Landmark Hazing Case
The tragedy surrounding the death of Tim Piazza led to one of the most extensive hazing prosecutions in United States history. What began as a fraternity bid acceptance event evolved into a massive legal battle involving dozens of students, the Beta Theta Pi organization, and high-ranking legal officials. The case highlighted the dangerous nature of fraternity hazing—the practice of forcing new recruits to undergo rituals or tasks to gain membership—and the severe legal consequences that follow.
On May 5, 2017, following a comprehensive grand jury investigation led by Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller, eighteen members of the fraternity were initially charged. These charges included involuntary manslaughter and various other offenses related to hazing.
Key Facts
- Total Charges: By September 2017, the fraternity and its members faced over 850 combined criminal charges.
- Institutional Impact: The Penn State branch of Beta Theta Pi was closed and banned from campus indefinitely.
- Evidence: FBI-recovered video revealed the victim consumed at least 18 drinks in 82 minutes.
- Legal Scope: At least 26 members faced charges by November 2017.
The Legal Proceedings and Alleged Perpetrators
The prosecution targeted both the individuals involved in the event and the fraternity as an entity. The charges varied significantly based on the level of involvement and the evidence recovered during the investigation.
Initial Charges and Reductions
Several students faced hundreds of counts. For instance, Daniel Casey and Brendan Young were initially charged with over 200 counts each, including involuntary manslaughter. However, many of these were later reduced to reckless endangerment, hazing, and furnishing alcohol to a minor. Other students, such as Ryan Foster and Edward Gilmartin, faced single counts of tampering with evidence.
The Role of the "Slush Fund"
In October 2018, Michael Angelo Schiavone pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit furnishing alcohol to minors. This plea followed the discovery of text messages revealing the existence of a "Slush Fund," which Schiavone admitted was used to purchase alcohol for fraternity parties.
New Evidence and Expanded Charges
The case took a critical turn on November 14, 2017, when the District Attorney announced that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had recovered deleted video footage. This footage proved that Tim Piazza had been given at least 18 drinks within a span of 82 minutes. Consequently, ten additional members were charged with offenses including involuntary manslaughter, hazing, and furnishing alcohol to a minor.
Among these, Ryan Burke pleaded guilty on June 13, 2018. Other students, such as Joseph Ems, faced additional charges for separate dangerous hazing events in September 2016 that had sent another pledge to a clinic.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Beta Theta Pi
The trial was marked by controversy regarding evidence and supervision. During a preliminary hearing on August 11, 2017, investigators revealed that basement footage from the February 2 bid acceptance had been deleted by a defendant, leading to further charges.
Defense attorneys attempted to shift focus toward Tim Bream, the Penn State Nittany Lions football head athletic trainer and the fraternity's live-in advisor. Although Bream was present the night of the incident, he was never charged. The court eventually ordered a hearing regarding Bream's potential contempt of court for avoiding a subpoena.
Controversy Surrounding the Prosecution
The legal battle also impacted the lead prosecutor. On February 8, 2019, Stacy Parks Miller received a law license suspension of one year and one day due to improper communications with judges and defense attorneys. She was defended during the trial by Bruce Castor and was eventually reinstated to practice law in September 2021.
Case Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Criminal Charges | Over 850 (combined for fraternity and members) |
| Primary Charges | Involuntary manslaughter, hazing, reckless endangerment, tampering with evidence |
| Key Evidence | FBI-recovered video showing 18 drinks in 82 minutes |
| Institutional Outcome | Penn State branch closed and banned indefinitely |
| Prosecutorial Outcome | DA Stacy Parks Miller suspended for 1 year and 1 day (reinstated 2021) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fraternity members were charged in total?
While eighteen members were initially charged on May 5, 2017, the number grew to at least 26 members by November 2017 following the discovery of new evidence.
What was the "Slush Fund" used for?
The "Slush Fund" was a financial arrangement operated by Michael Angelo Schiavone to purchase alcohol for the fraternity's parties.
What role did the FBI play in the investigation?
The FBI was instrumental in recovering deleted video footage that proved the amount and speed of alcohol consumption during the bid acceptance event.
Was the Beta Theta Pi fraternity itself penalized?
Yes, the fraternity was charged, and the Penn State branch was closed and banned from campus indefinitely by the university president.
Why was District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller suspended?
She received a law license suspension of one year and one day for communicating improperly with defense attorneys and judges during the proceedings.