Published: March 26, 2008 08:19 am            

RPD investigating hazing allegations

An Eastern Kentucky University student hospitalized earlier this month after he allegedly was hazed by Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity members may be one of many victims, Richmond Police said Tuesday.

A formal investigation has been begun by the Richmond Police Department into allegations that stemmed from EKU junior Brent Whiteside, 23, being hospitalized in early March. Whiteside and his attorneys formally filed a complaint Thursday afternoon with Richmond Police, said RPD Chief Larry Brock.

“The complaint alleges that from late January to early March, the victim was assaulted at numerous locations within the city,” Brock said.

The assaults reportedly occurred in at least three separate residences more than three times, Brock said, and involved the use of suspects’ hands as well as objects. Brock would not release what objects might have been used in the alleged assaults. At this point in the investigation, Brock also said he could not release where the residences were because the information could compromise suspects who have not yet been interviewed.

“Some suspects have been identified. A number have not yet been identified,” Brock said. “Our investigative division is conducting a follow-up investigation into the allegations.”

Brock did not have a firm number establishing the number of suspects that could be involved, but said that a minimum of three already have been identified and “a much larger number allegedly are involved.”

As part of the complaint, Brock said Whiteside alleged that others also were assaulted. Part of what allegedly occurred was done under the guise of admission into the fraternity, Brock said, but depending on interpretations, not all of the alleged activities were for that reason.

“It is our understanding that everything was done under the umbrella of the fraternity,” he said.

The hazing allegations were reported to the university March 8, and Kappa Alpha Psi was placed on immediate suspension both by EKU and the national chapter, said Dr. Mike Reagle, associate vice president for student affairs.

A key part of the student affairs office’s investigation is talking to students, which initially was complicated by spring break. Brock said because of the nature of the investigation, it will be rather complex.

“It will be a time-consuming investigation because of the large number of people involved — the suspects, the victims and the witnesses,” he said.

No arrests had been made Tuesday. The investigation being conducted by the university still is ongoing, said Marc Whitt, associate vice president for public relations and marketing.

“We do not yet have an estimated timeline as to when the university and the national fraternity office’s investigations will be finalized as these are still in process,” he said.

Comments from the family have been minimal throughout the incident. Whiteside’s stepfather, Frank Houston, previously said his son had a long way to go to recover. He would not go into detail about the injuries and referred comments to the family’s attorney, Denotra Gunther of Lexington, who declined to comment about the case.

Kelly Foreman can be reached at kforeman@richmondregister.com or 624-6694.

        

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