🛡️ Jasper County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone
Jasper County families: If your child has been hazed at a college, university, or Greek organization near Jasper County, Illinois, you are not alone. This is happening right now in Jasper County. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student at University of Houston have chapters operating near Jasper County. The same negligence that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez exists at institutions in and around Jasper County.
We are Attorney 911. We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases. We know how to hold institutions accountable. And we will fight for Jasper County families with the same aggression.
🚨 Jasper County Parents: This Could Be Your Child
What Happened at University of Houston — And What’s Happening Near Jasper County
On November 3, 2025, Leonel Bermudez — a young man who wasn’t even enrolled at University of Houston yet — was hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being hazed at the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
What they did to him in Jasper County terms:
- Waterboarded him with a garden hose — simulated drowning
- Forced him to do 500 squats — until his muscles broke down
- Struck him with wooden paddles — physical assault
- Forced him to eat until he vomited — then made him keep running
- Another pledge collapsed unconscious — they kept going
He spent 3 nights and 4 days in the hospital. His mother rushed him there after he couldn’t move. His urine turned brown — a sign his muscles were literally dissolving into his bloodstream.
This didn’t happen in some distant state. This could happen to your child in Jasper County.
Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America — including near Jasper County. The same national organization that failed to prevent this at UH operates in the Jasper County area.
The same “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez exist at fraternities and organizations near Jasper County.
🔍 Hazing Near Jasper County: What You Need to Know
Universities and Colleges Near Jasper County with Greek Life
Jasper County is home to Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, and is within driving distance of several major universities where Greek life thrives:
- Eastern Illinois University (Charleston, IL) — Active Greek organizations
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Large Greek system
- Illinois State University (Normal, IL) — Strong Greek presence
- Southern Illinois University (Carbondale, IL) — Significant Greek life
- Indiana State University (Terre Haute, IN) — Nearby Greek organizations
The same national fraternities involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide — Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — have active chapters at these universities.
If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Jasper County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
Hazing Isn’t Just a Fraternity Problem
Hazing happens in:
- Sororities — Forced drinking, humiliation, sleep deprivation
- Sports teams — Physical abuse, forced alcohol consumption
- Marching bands — Extreme physical demands, sleep deprivation
- ROTC programs — Physical and psychological abuse
- Honor societies — Humiliation rituals
- Clubs and organizations — Hazing disguised as “team building”
Jasper County parents: No matter what organization your child is joining near Jasper County, hazing can happen anywhere.
⚖️ Jasper County Families: You Have Legal Rights
Illinois Hazing Laws Protect Your Child
Illinois Compiled Statutes 720 ILCS 5/12C-55 — Hazing
Definition of Hazing in Illinois:
Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate.
Key Points for Jasper County Families:
- Consent is NOT a defense — Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says consent doesn’t matter
- It’s a Class A Misdemeanor — Up to 1 year in jail for individuals
- If death or great bodily harm results — It becomes a Class 4 Felony (1-3 years prison)
- Organizations can be held liable — Fraternities, sororities, universities can be sued
Jasper County families: Illinois law is clear — hazing is illegal, and institutions that allow it can be held accountable.
Who Is Liable for Jasper County Hazing?
If your child is hazed near Jasper County, multiple parties can be held responsible:
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable for Jasper County Hazing |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing near Jasper County |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise Jasper County area chapters; knew about hazing culture |
| University/College | Failed to protect students near Jasper County; knew hazing was happening |
| Individual Members | Participated in or allowed hazing near Jasper County |
| Chapter Advisors | Failed to prevent hazing in Jasper County area chapters |
| Housing Corporation | Owned property where Jasper County hazing occurred |
The same legal strategies we’re using in the $10 million UH case apply to Jasper County victims.
💰 Jasper County Families: Hazing Cases Win Millions
Proven Results — The Same Outcomes Are Possible for Jasper County Victims
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 Million |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 Million |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110 Million+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (multi-million) |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4+ Million |
| Leonel Bermudez | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Pending | $10 Million |
Jasper County families: These verdicts and settlements prove that hazing cases win. Your child’s case could be worth millions.
📋 Jasper County Parents: What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed
Immediate Action Steps for Jasper County Families
If your child tells you they’ve been hazed near Jasper County, ACT IMMEDIATELY:
- Get Medical Attention — Even if they seem “fine,” some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) aren’t immediately visible
- Preserve All Evidence — Take photos of injuries, save all texts/social media, document everything
- Do NOT Let Them Sign Anything — Fraternities/sororities may try to get your child to sign waivers
- Do NOT Confront the Organization — They will destroy evidence and coordinate their story
- Contact an Attorney — Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
- Consider Reporting to Authorities — Hazing is a crime in Illinois; consider filing a police report
CRITICAL: Evidence disappears quickly. Act within 24-48 hours to preserve your case.
🏢 Who We Are: Jasper County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Attorney 911 — Fighting for Jasper County Hazing Victims
Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena — Two former insurance defense attorneys who know how the other side thinks.
Why Jasper County Families Choose Us:
| Advantage | How It Helps Jasper County Victims |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years Courtroom Experience | Proven trial skills to fight for Jasper County families |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how fraternities and universities will defend — and how to beat them |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Jasper County cases in federal court if needed |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Texas AND New York licensed — strategic advantage against national organizations |
| Hazing-Specific Expertise | Currently litigating $10M hazing case; experience with rhabdomyolysis injuries |
| We Come to Jasper County | Will travel to Jasper County for depositions, meetings, and trials |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Jasper County Spanish-speaking families |
| Contingency Fee | $0 upfront — we don’t get paid unless we win your case |
Jasper County families: We understand what you’re going through. We’re fighting this battle right now, and we’ll fight for you too.
📞 Jasper County Families: Call Now — Free Consultation
24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline for Jasper County Hazing Victims:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
We serve Jasper County hazing victims on CONTINGENCY:
You pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.
🎯 Jasper County Parents: This Is What Happens When You Call Us
- Free Consultation — We listen to your story and evaluate your case
- Immediate Evidence Preservation — We send preservation letters to protect evidence
- Comprehensive Investigation — We gather medical records, witness statements, communications
- Expert Network — Medical experts, hazing culture experts, economists
- Aggressive Negotiation — We demand full compensation from all responsible parties
- Litigation if Necessary — We will take your Jasper County case to trial if needed
- Maximum Recovery — We fight for every dollar you deserve
Jasper County families: The fraternities, universities, and national organizations have teams of lawyers fighting to minimize your claim. You need your own team fighting for you.
❓ Jasper County Families: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My child was hazed near Jasper County but is afraid to speak up. What should I do?
A: Your child’s fear is completely understandable. Hazing victims often fear retribution, social ostracism, or academic consequences. We can help protect your child’s identity during the legal process. The most important thing is to preserve evidence immediately — before it disappears. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for confidential advice.
Q: The fraternity near Jasper County says my child “consented” to the hazing. Is that a defense?
A: No. Illinois law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing (720 ILCS 5/12C-55). Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law says that doesn’t matter. The fraternity is legally responsible for their actions.
Q: My child was hazed at a university near Jasper County. Can we sue the university?
A: Yes. Universities have a legal duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. If the university near Jasper County knew or should have known about hazing and failed to stop it, they can be held liable. In our UH case, we’re suing the university for owning the fraternity house where hazing occurred.
Q: How much is my child’s hazing case worth?
Every case is unique, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Factors that increase value include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Psychological trauma
- University’s knowledge of prior hazing
- Egregiousness of conduct
- Number of responsible parties
Jasper County families: The cases listed earlier resulted in $4 million to $110 million recoveries. Your child’s case could be worth millions.
Q: My child was hazed at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. Can you help?
ABSOLUTELY. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including at Eastern Illinois University near Jasper County. We have federal court authority and are licensed in multiple states. We will come to Jasper County for your case.
Q: What if the hazing happened last year? Is it too late to sue?
It depends on the statute of limitations. In Illinois, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are exceptions:
- If your child was a minor, the clock may not start until they turn 18
- If the injury wasn’t immediately apparent, the clock may start when it was discovered
Jasper County families: Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case evaluation.
Q: The fraternity near Jasper County offered my child a settlement. Should we accept?
NEVER accept a settlement without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies and fraternities offer lowball settlements to make the case go away quickly. These offers rarely cover the full extent of damages.
Jasper County families: We know how to negotiate with these organizations. We will fight for every dollar your child deserves.
🔥 Jasper County Fraternities: We Are Watching
A Warning to Fraternities Operating Near Jasper County
To the chapters of Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and all other fraternities near Jasper County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
If you haze students near Jasper County, we will:
- Identify every liable party — national organization, local chapter, housing corporation, individual members
- Pursue every insurance policy covering your chapter
- Depose your leadership under oath
- Expose your “traditions” in open court
- Demand punitive damages for egregious conduct
- Work with law enforcement to pursue criminal charges
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing.
That’s what happens when you haze near Jasper County. Your chapter could be next.
🏛️ Universities Near Jasper County: The Same Liability Applies
A Message to Eastern Illinois University, University of Illinois, and All Universities Near Jasper County
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.
You have a legal duty to protect students from foreseeable harm. When you:
- Own fraternity houses where hazing occurs
- Fail to monitor Greek life effectively
- Ignore reports of hazing
- Allow culture of abuse to continue
You become legally responsible.
University of Houston owned the Pi Kappa Phi house where waterboarding occurred. They are now defendants in a $10 million lawsuit.
Jasper County universities: Act now or face the same accountability.
📢 Jasper County Families: Enough Is Enough
To the parents of Jasper County:
You send your children to college expecting them to be safe. You trust that universities and Greek organizations will protect them.
That trust is being betrayed.
Hazing isn’t “tradition.” It isn’t “team building.” It’s abuse. It’s torture. It’s illegal.
It’s happening near Jasper County right now.
We are Attorney 911. We are currently fighting this battle in court. We know how to hold these institutions accountable. And we will fight for Jasper County families with everything we have.
If your child has been hazed near Jasper County, call us now.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Jasper County families: You are not alone. We are here to help.
📜 Illinois Hazing Law — Full Text for Jasper County Families
720 ILCS 5/12C-55 — Hazing
(a) A person commits hazing who knowingly requires the performance of any act by a student or other person in a school, college, university, or other educational institution of this State, for the purpose of induction or admission into any group, organization, or society associated or connected with that institution if:
(1) the act is not sanctioned or authorized by that educational institution; and
(2) the act results in bodily harm to any person.
(b) Sentence. Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor, except hazing that results in death or great bodily harm is a Class 4 felony.
(c) Consent is not a defense to hazing.
(d) This Section does not apply to any activity or conduct that furthers the goals of a recognized religious, fraternal, or youth organization, when the activity or conduct is supervised by the organization and does not include features that are dangerous, harmful, or degrading to the student.
Jasper County families: This law protects your child. We will use it to hold those responsible accountable.
📅 Upcoming Events for Jasper County Families
Jasper County Hazing Awareness Town Hall
Date: To be announced
Location: Virtual (Zoom) — Open to all Jasper County families
Hosted by: Attorney 911
Topics:
- Recognizing the signs of hazing
- What to do if your child is hazed
- Your legal rights under Illinois law
- How to preserve evidence
- Q&A with hazing litigation experts
Registration: Free — Sign up at attorney911.com/jaspercounty
Illinois Hazing Prevention Week
Date: February 2026 (exact dates TBA)
Location: Statewide, including Eastern Illinois University and universities near Jasper County
Activities:
- Educational seminars on hazing prevention
- Legal rights workshops for students and parents
- Memorial events for hazing victims
- Advocacy for stronger hazing laws
Jasper County families: We will be participating and providing legal education to the community.
📌 Quick Reference for Jasper County Families
| Resource | Contact |
|---|---|
| 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline | 📞 1-888-ATTY-911 |
| ralph@atty911.com | |
| Website | attorney911.com |
| Free Consultation | Yes — $0 upfront |
| Contingency Fee | You pay nothing unless we win |
| Languages | English and Spanish |
| Travel to Jasper County | Yes — for depositions, meetings, trials |
| Federal Court Authority | Yes — can pursue cases nationwide |
| Hazing-Specific Experience | Yes — currently litigating $10M hazing case |
🎯 Final Message to Jasper County
Jasper County families: Hazing is not a rite of passage. It’s not tradition. It’s not brotherhood.
It’s abuse. It’s illegal. And it must stop.
We are Attorney 911. We are in this fight right now. And we will fight for Jasper County families with the same determination we’re bringing to the $10 million UH case.
If your child has been hazed near Jasper County, call us today.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Enough is enough. It’s time for accountability. It’s time for justice.
