🚨 Hazing Victims in Franklin County, Idaho: Your Legal Rights and How Attorney 911 Can Help
Headquartered in Houston, Texas — Serving Hazing Victims in Franklin County and Across America
🏛️ The Hazing Crisis Comes to Franklin County
Franklin County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities and Greek organizations to provide positive experiences — not torture, humiliation, and life-threatening injuries.
But the reality is stark: hazing is happening at colleges and universities near Franklin County, Idaho.
The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at University of Houston, forcing him into the hospital with kidney failure, operate chapters at institutions across the country — including near Franklin County. The same national organizations that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries are active in our region.
And the same universities that have failed to protect students in other states are failing students in Franklin County.
If your child has been hazed — whether in a fraternity, sorority, sports team, marching band, ROTC, or any other student organization — you have legal rights. And you are not alone.
⚠️ This Happened in Houston. It’s Happening in Franklin County.
The Case That Proves Hazing Is Everywhere
On November 21, 2025, our law firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a young man who was systematically abused during the pledge process.
What happened to him is happening to students near Franklin County right now.
The Hazing Activities Bermudez Endured:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to perform 500 squats and 100+ pushups — until his muscles broke down
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical assault with weapons
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting — then forced to keep running
- Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass — extreme humiliation
- Stripped to underwear in cold weather — exposure and degradation
- Another pledge hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth for over an hour — torture and false imprisonment
- Forced to drive fraternity members at all hours — sleep deprivation and exhaustion
- Threatened with physical punishment and expulsion — coercion and intimidation
The Result:
Bermudez developed severe rhabdomyolysis — his muscles broke down, releasing myoglobin that damaged his kidneys. He was hospitalized for four days with acute kidney failure. He could not walk. He could not move. His urine turned brown from muscle breakdown.
This is not “tradition.” This is not “brotherhood.” This is torture.
And it’s happening near Franklin County, Idaho.
🔍 Hazing in Franklin County: What Idaho Families Need to Know
Franklin County Is Not Immune
While Franklin County, Idaho, may not have a major university within its borders, students from our community attend colleges across the region — including institutions with active Greek life and documented hazing problems.
Nearby universities and colleges where hazing occurs:
- Idaho State University (Pocatello, ID) — Active Greek life; documented hazing incidents
- University of Idaho (Moscow, ID) — Greek organizations present; hazing risk exists
- Brigham Young University-Idaho (Rexburg, ID) — Student organizations; hazing reported
- College of Southern Idaho (Twin Falls, ID) — Smaller but not immune
- Utah State University (Logan, UT) — Close to Franklin County; active Greek life; hazing history
The same national fraternities involved in the University of Houston case have chapters at these institutions:
- Pi Kappa Phi — Same organization that waterboarded Bermudez
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) — Paid $6.1 million in a hazing death case
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) — $10 million settlement for a hazing death
- Beta Theta Pi — $110 million settlement for a hazing death
- Phi Delta Theta — Multiple hazing deaths and lawsuits
If your child attends college near Franklin County, they face the same risks.
Why Hazing Goes Unreported in Franklin County
Hazing victims in Franklin County often stay silent due to:
- Fear of retaliation — Being ostracized, harassed, or physically threatened
- Loyalty to the organization — Not wanting to “betray” the group
- Shame and embarrassment — Feeling like they “deserved” it or “asked for it”
- Not recognizing it as hazing — Thinking “this is just how it is”
- Pressure from members — “Everyone goes through it. You will too.”
- Fear of academic consequences — Losing scholarships, being expelled
- Fear of social consequences — Losing friends, being labeled a “snitch”
- Fear of disappointing family — Not wanting parents to know what they endured
But staying silent only protects the abusers.
Speaking up can save lives.
⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Franklin County Hazing Victim
Idaho Hazing Laws
Idaho has strong anti-hazing laws. Under Idaho Code § 18-917, hazing is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Definition of Hazing in Idaho:
Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.
Key Points:
- Consent is not a defense — Even if the victim “agreed” to participate, it’s still illegal
- Applies to all organizations — Fraternities, sororities, sports teams, clubs, bands, ROTC, etc.
- Applies to both physical and psychological hazing
Examples of Illegal Hazing in Idaho:
- Forced alcohol consumption
- Physical abuse (paddling, beating, branding)
- Sexual humiliation or assault
- Sleep deprivation
- Forced exercise to exhaustion
- Waterboarding or simulated drowning
- Verbal abuse and threats
- Extreme humiliation
Civil Lawsuits: Holding Abusers Accountable
Beyond criminal charges, Franklin County hazing victims can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for their injuries.
Who Can Be Sued:
- The local chapter that organized the hazing
- The national fraternity/sorority organization
- The university or college
- Individual members who participated
- Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, etc.)
- Alumni who hosted hazing events
- Housing corporations that own fraternity/sorority houses
Types of Compensation Available:
- Medical expenses — Hospital bills, rehabilitation, therapy
- Lost wages — Time missed from work or internships
- Pain and suffering — Physical and emotional trauma
- Mental anguish — PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life — Impact on college experience
- Punitive damages — To punish the defendants for egregious conduct
Hazing settlements and verdicts nationwide:
- $10 million (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha)
- $6.1 million (Max Gruver, Phi Delta Theta)
- $110 million+ (Timothy Piazza, Beta Theta Pi)
- $4 million+ (Adam Oakes, Delta Chi)
Franklin County victims can recover the same compensation.
💔 The Devastating Consequences of Hazing
Hazing doesn’t just cause temporary discomfort — it can have lifelong consequences.
Physical Injuries:
- Rhabdomyolysis — Muscle breakdown causing kidney failure (like Bermudez)
- Alcohol poisoning — Can be fatal; requires emergency treatment
- Traumatic brain injury — From beatings or falls
- Broken bones — From physical abuse
- Internal bleeding — From extreme physical exertion
- Heat stroke or hypothermia — From exposure to elements
- Sexual assault injuries — Physical and psychological trauma
Psychological Trauma:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety
- Depression — Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness
- Anxiety disorders — Panic attacks, social anxiety
- Suicidal ideation — Hazing victims are at higher risk for suicide
- Trust issues — Difficulty forming healthy relationships
- Substance abuse — Self-medicating to cope with trauma
Academic and Professional Impact:
- Dropping out of school — Unable to continue due to trauma
- Lost scholarships — Academic performance suffers
- Damaged reputation — Impact on future career opportunities
- Delayed graduation — Medical leave or academic probation
- Career limitations — Physical or psychological injuries prevent certain jobs
Financial Consequences:
- Medical bills — Emergency room, hospitalization, therapy
- Lost wages — Time missed from work during recovery
- Future medical costs — Ongoing treatment for chronic conditions
- Legal fees — Cost of pursuing justice (but we work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront)
🚨 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Franklin County
Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety
- Remove your child from the dangerous situation — Get them to a safe location
- Call 911 if there is a medical emergency — Alcohol poisoning, severe injuries, unconsciousness
- Seek medical attention immediately — Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
Step 2: Preserve Evidence
DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING.
Save:
- Text messages — GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, SMS
- Social media posts — Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter/X
- Photos and videos — Of injuries, hazing activities, locations
- Emails — Any communications about hazing
- Documents — Pledge manuals, schedules, rules
- Witness information — Names and contact info of other victims or bystanders
- Medical records — Hospital reports, doctor’s notes, test results
Take screenshots of everything — Social media posts and messages can be deleted.
Step 3: Report the Hazing
- Police report — File a report with local law enforcement
- University report — Report to the university’s Title IX office or student conduct office
- National organization report — Report to the national fraternity/sorority headquarters
Note: Universities may try to handle hazing internally to avoid bad publicity. Do not let them silence your child. They have a legal obligation to report hazing to authorities.
Step 4: Do NOT Speak to the Organization or Their Lawyers
- Do not give statements to fraternity/sorority leaders
- Do not sign anything from the organization
- Do not accept settlement offers without legal counsel
- Do not post on social media about the incident
Anything you say can be used against you.
Step 5: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney
Call Attorney 911 immediately.
We will:
- Protect your child’s rights — No one can intimidate or retaliate against them
- Preserve evidence — Send preservation letters to all defendants
- Investigate the case — Gather witness statements, medical records, communications
- Handle all communications — With the university, fraternity, insurance companies
- Build a strong case — For maximum compensation
- Fight for justice — In court if necessary
We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
🏆 Why Franklin County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now
While other law firms talk about hazing, we are actively litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston.
Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles — resulting in kidney failure and a four-day hospital stay.
We know how to build these cases. We know how to win. And we will fight just as hard for Franklin County victims.
Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We Know Their Playbook
Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — are former insurance defense lawyers.
We know how insurance companies:
- Try to minimize claims
- Twist victims’ words
- Delay payments
- Deny liability
We used to work for them. Now we work against them.
We know their tactics. We know how to defeat them. And we know how to maximize your recovery.
Nationwide Service — We Come to Franklin County
While we are based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Franklin County, Idaho.
We can:
- Evaluate your case remotely — Video consultations available
- Travel to Franklin County — For depositions, client meetings, and trials
- Pursue federal claims — Against national organizations headquartered out of state
- Handle all communications — So you don’t have to deal with the university or fraternity
Distance is not a barrier to justice.
Compassionate, Aggressive Representation
We understand the trauma Franklin County hazing victims experience. We treat every client with dignity, respect, and compassion.
But in the courtroom, we are relentless.
We will:
- Expose the truth — No matter how powerful the defendants are
- Hold every responsible party accountable — From individual members to national organizations
- Fight for maximum compensation — For medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages
- Send a message — That hazing will not be tolerated in Franklin County or anywhere
Proven Track Record of Success
- $10 million lawsuit currently pending against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases
- Former insurance defense attorneys — We know how to dismantle their defenses
- Federal court admission — Can pursue national organizations in federal jurisdiction
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas and New York
- 25+ years of litigation experience — Battle-tested in courtrooms across America
We Don’t Just Take Cases — We Change Culture
Our goal is not just to win compensation for Franklin County victims — it’s to stop hazing altogether.
We work with:
- Media outlets — To expose hazing culture
- Legislators — To strengthen anti-hazing laws
- Universities — To implement real oversight
- Other victims — To build a movement for change
Your case can save lives.
📞 Franklin County Hazing Victims: Call Attorney 911 Now
Time is Critical — Evidence Disappears Fast
Hazing victims often wait to come forward due to shame, fear, or loyalty to the organization. But evidence disappears quickly:
- Text messages and social media posts are deleted
- Witnesses forget details
- Universities destroy records
- Fraternities close chapters to avoid liability
- Statutes of limitations expire
The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
Free, Confidential Consultation
We offer free, no-obligation consultations for Franklin County hazing victims and their families.
During your consultation, we will:
- Listen to your story
- Evaluate the strength of your case
- Explain your legal rights and options
- Answer all your questions
- Develop a strategy for justice
You pay nothing unless we win your case.
How to Reach Us
📞 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
📍 Video Consultations Available — For Franklin County families who cannot travel
We will respond immediately — day or night.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Franklin County Families
1. My child was hazed but doesn’t want to report it. What should I do?
We understand the pressure victims feel to stay silent. But hazing is illegal, and staying silent only protects the abusers.
- Encourage your child to talk to us — We can explain their rights without pressure
- Preserve evidence — Even if they don’t want to report now, save texts, photos, etc.
- Report anonymously — Some universities allow anonymous reporting
- Remember: Hazing often gets worse over time. Reporting can prevent future victims
2. The university says they’re “handling it internally.” Should I trust them?
No. Universities often handle hazing internally to:
- Avoid bad publicity
- Protect their reputation
- Minimize legal liability
They may:
- Pressure victims to accept minimal discipline
- Fail to report to law enforcement (which is illegal in Idaho)
- Destroy evidence
- Allow the organization to continue operating
You need an independent investigation — not one controlled by the university.
3. The fraternity says my child “consented” to the activities. Is that a defense?
No. Under Idaho law, consent is not a defense to hazing.
Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says:
- They cannot consent to illegal activity
- The organization is still liable
- The university is still liable
This is not about your child’s choices — it’s about the organization’s illegal conduct.
4. What if my child was drinking? Will that hurt their case?
Alcohol is often used as a weapon in hazing — to impair judgment, lower inhibitions, and increase vulnerability.
Even if your child consumed alcohol:
- Forced consumption is illegal — Peer pressure and threats negate “consent”
- The organization is still liable — They created the dangerous environment
- The university is still liable — They failed to prevent underage drinking
Do not let the defendants blame the victim.
5. How much is my child’s case worth?
Every case is unique, but hazing cases typically recover hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on:
| Factor | How It Affects Value |
|---|---|
| Severity of injuries | Hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage = higher value |
| Type of hazing | Waterboarding, sexual assault, extreme physical abuse = higher value |
| Pattern of conduct | Multiple incidents, prior complaints = higher value |
| University knowledge | If they knew and did nothing = higher value |
| National organization involvement | Deep pockets = higher value |
| Psychological trauma | PTSD, depression, anxiety = higher value |
Our $10 million demand in the University of Houston case is based on precedent — and Franklin County cases can recover similar amounts.
6. How long will the case take?
Most hazing cases settle within 12-24 months, but complex cases can take longer.
Factors that affect timeline:
- Severity of injuries (need to reach Maximum Medical Improvement)
- Number of defendants
- Willingness of defendants to settle
- Need for litigation (lawsuit, discovery, trial)
We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible, but we will not rush your child’s recovery.
7. Will my child have to go to court?
Most cases settle out of court. However, if the defendants refuse to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take the case to trial.
Our attorneys have:
- Won multi-million dollar verdicts
- Taken cases to trial against major institutions
- Never backed down from a fight
We will not accept a lowball settlement. We will fight for what your child deserves.
8. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
Nothing upfront.
We work on a contingency fee basis — we only get paid if we win your case.
- No hourly fees
- No retainers
- No out-of-pocket costs
Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, and it’s only paid after we win.
You have nothing to lose by contacting us — and everything to gain.
9. My child is an international student. Can you still help?
Yes. International students have the same legal rights as U.S. citizens.
We can help with:
- Language barriers — We have bilingual staff (Se habla español)
- Visa concerns — Pursuing legal action does not affect most student visas
- Cultural differences — We understand the unique pressures international students face
Your child’s immigration status will not be affected by pursuing a hazing claim.
10. What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
Retaliation against hazing victims is illegal under both state and federal law.
We will:
- Protect your child’s identity — Confidentiality is our priority
- File motions to prevent retaliation — Courts can issue protective orders
- Pursue additional claims — If retaliation occurs, we can sue for damages
No one has the right to intimidate or harass your child for speaking out.
🔥 The Message to Franklin County Fraternities and Universities
To every fraternity and sorority operating near Franklin County:
We are watching.
The same legal strategies that secured $10 million settlements in other states apply to your chapters.
If you haze students in Franklin County, we will:
- Sue your chapter
- Sue your national organization
- Sue your university
- Sue your officers personally
- Expose your culture of abuse
- Hold you accountable in court
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your chapter could be next.
To every university near Franklin County:
You have a legal and moral duty to protect your students.
When you:
- Own fraternity houses
- Collect fees from Greek organizations
- Grant recognition to dangerous groups
- Ignore prior hazing incidents
You become liable for the harm they cause.
University of Houston owned the house where Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded. They knew about prior hazing. They did nothing.
If your university fails to protect students from hazing, you will pay.
🏁 Conclusion: Franklin County Families — You Are Not Alone
Hazing is a crime. It is abuse. It is torture.
And it is happening to students near Franklin County, Idaho.
If your child has been hazed, you have the power to:
- Hold the abusers accountable
- Recover compensation for medical bills and trauma
- Prevent future victims
- Change the culture
Attorney 911 is here to help.
We are fighting this battle right now in Houston — and we will fight just as hard for Franklin County victims.
Call us today. The consultation is free. The case evaluation is free. The justice is priceless.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7 for Franklin County hazing emergencies
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Franklin County families — your child deserves justice. Let’s get it for them.
