🚨 Hazing Lawyers in Monroe County, Illinois — Protecting Students & Families from Fraternity & Sorority Abuse
Monroe County Parents & Students: The Same Hazing That Hospitalized a UH Student Happens at Local Colleges Too
A Monroe County family’s worst nightmare is unfolding right now in Texas — and it could happen to your child at a college near Monroe County.
On November 6, 2025, Leonel Bermudez, a young man hoping to transfer to the University of Houston, was rushed to the hospital with kidney failure after enduring weeks of brutal hazing at the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He was waterboarded with a garden hose, forced to do 500 squats until he collapsed, struck with wooden paddles, and made to eat until he vomited — then forced to run through his own vomit. He spent four days in the hospital fighting for his life from rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
This wasn’t an accident. This was torture.
And here’s the terrifying truth for Monroe County families: The same fraternities that did this to Leonel Bermudez operate at universities near Monroe County. The same national organizations that failed to stop this despite knowing about a “hazing crisis” have chapters where your children might be pledging right now. The same universities that own the fraternity houses where this abuse happens exist right here in Illinois.
Monroe County parents: If your child is in Greek life at a college near Monroe County, they could be next.
🏛️ Which Colleges Near Monroe County Have Greek Life?
Monroe County is home to strong community values and family traditions. Many local students choose to attend colleges within a reasonable distance where Greek life is active. These are the universities near Monroe County where fraternities and sororities operate — and where hazing has been documented or could occur:
| University | Location | Distance from Monroe County | Greek Life Presence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Illinois University Carbondale | Carbondale, IL | ~100 miles | Strong Greek system with 20+ fraternities and sororities |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | Edwardsville, IL | ~50 miles | Active Greek life community |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | ~180 miles | One of the largest Greek systems in the nation |
| Illinois State University | Normal, IL | ~160 miles | Significant Greek life presence |
| Eastern Illinois University | Charleston, IL | ~120 miles | Active Greek community |
| McKendree University | Lebanon, IL | ~30 miles | Smaller but active Greek organizations |
| Lindenwood University-Belleville | Belleville, IL | ~45 miles | Greek life present |
| Saint Louis University | St. Louis, MO | ~50 miles | Active Greek system |
| Washington University in St. Louis | St. Louis, MO | ~50 miles | Prominent Greek life |
Monroe County families: These are the schools where your children might be pledging right now. And at every one of them, the same national fraternities that waterboarded Leonel Bermudez have active chapters.
🔍 Which Fraternities Near Monroe County Have Hazing Histories?
The fraternities that operate near Monroe County are the same ones that have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide. These aren’t isolated incidents — they’re part of a pattern of abuse that national organizations have failed to stop.
| Fraternity | Hazing Incidents | Settlements/Verdicts | Monroe County Area Chapters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (2021) — died from forced drinking; David Bogenberger (2012) — died from alcohol poisoning | $10.1 million (Stone Foltz); $14 million (Bogenberger) | UIUC, SIUC, others |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Max Gruver (2017) — died from forced drinking; multiple other deaths | $6.1 million jury verdict (Gruver) | UIUC, ISU, others |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017) — died from forced drinking; Leonel Bermudez (2025) — hospitalized with kidney failure | Confidential (Coffey); $10 million lawsuit pending (Bermudez) | UIUC, SIUE, others |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017) — died after forced drinking and falls | $110+ million settlement (estimated) | UIUC, others |
| Phi Delta Theta | Multiple hazing deaths and injuries | Multiple settlements | UIUC, ISU, others |
| Sigma Chi | Recent lawsuit at UT Austin for hazing leading to suicide | Pending | UIUC, others |
Monroe County parents: These are the same Greek letters your children might be wearing right now. The same organizations that have paid millions for hazing deaths and injuries operate chapters at universities near Monroe County.
They haven’t fixed their culture. They haven’t stopped the abuse. And they won’t — until families like yours demand justice.
⚖️ Illinois Hazing Laws — What Monroe County Families Need to Know
Illinois Anti-Hazing Statute (720 ILCS 5/12C-55)
Illinois law explicitly prohibits hazing and makes it a criminal offense. The law defines hazing as:
“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, that causes or is intended to cause bodily harm or danger to the physical or mental health of the student.”
This means that even if your child “consented” to hazing activities, it is still illegal. The law is clear: Consent is not a defense to hazing in Illinois.
Criminal Penalties in Illinois:
| Offense Level | Conduct | Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Class A Misdemeanor | Hazing that causes bodily harm | Up to 1 year in jail; up to $2,500 fine |
| Class 4 Felony | Hazing that causes great bodily harm | 1-3 years in prison; up to $25,000 fine |
| Class 4 Felony | Hazing that causes permanent disability or disfigurement | 1-3 years in prison; up to $25,000 fine |
| Class 4 Felony | Hazing that causes death | 1-3 years in prison; up to $25,000 fine |
Monroe County families: Hazing is not just “boys being boys” or “tradition.” It’s a crime in Illinois — and it can send fraternity members to prison.
💰 Civil Liability — Holding Monroe County Area Institutions Accountable
Criminal charges aren’t the only consequence. When hazing happens, families can sue for money damages — and the settlements can be millions of dollars.
Who Can Be Sued in Monroe County Area Hazing Cases?
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Monroe County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | The chapter at your child’s university |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture | The national fraternity with deep pockets |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing; owned fraternity house | The college near Monroe County where it happened |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | The president, pledgemaster, etc. |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing | The students who did the abuse |
| Alumni | Allowed hazing at their homes | Former members who host events |
| Housing Corporation | Owned property where hazing occurred | The entity that owns the fraternity house |
Monroe County families: These are the same defendants we’re suing in the UH case — and the same ones that have paid millions in other hazing lawsuits.
🏆 Recent Hazing Settlements & Verdicts — What Monroe County Families Can Expect
Hazing cases win big. Juries and courts have awarded millions to victims and their families. These are the same results Monroe County families can achieve.
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million (estimated) |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (multi-million) |
| Leonel Bermudez (2025) | University of Houston | Pi Kappa Phi | Lawsuit Filed | $10 million (pending) |
Monroe County families: These cases prove that hazing lawsuits win. The same legal strategies that secured these verdicts apply to Illinois cases.
🚨 What Monroe County Parents Should Do If Their Child Is Hazed
If your child tells you they’ve been hazed — or if you suspect it — ACT IMMEDIATELY. Evidence disappears quickly, and Illinois has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases.
Step-by-Step Action Plan for Monroe County Families:
-
Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation
- Document all injuries (photos, medical records)
- Rhabdomyolysis (like in the UH case) can be life-threatening — don’t wait
-
Preserve All Evidence
- Save all communications: texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, emails
- Take screenshots of everything — messages disappear
- Photograph injuries at all stages of healing
- Document hazing locations (fraternity house, off-campus homes, etc.)
- Get witness names and contact information
-
Do NOT Confront the Fraternity or University Alone
- They will try to control the narrative
- They will pressure your child to stay quiet
- They will destroy evidence if they can
- Let an attorney handle all communication
-
Report to Authorities (Optional but Recommended)
- File a police report with local law enforcement
- Report to the university’s Title IX office
- Report to the national fraternity organization
-
Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney
- Free consultations available
- Contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win
- We travel to Monroe County for meetings and depositions
-
Do NOT Sign Anything Without Legal Review
- Universities and fraternities may offer “settlements” that waive your rights
- Never sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first
📞 Monroe County Hazing Victims: Call Now for a Free Consultation
Attorney 911 is currently representing Leonel Bermudez in his $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 bring that same aggressive representation to Monroe County families.
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Monroe County Hazing Case?
✅ Nationwide Hazing Litigation Experience — We’re fighting this battle right now
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We know how the other side thinks
✅ Federal Court Authority — Can pursue cases in federal jurisdiction
✅ Dual-State Licensed — Texas and New York bars
✅ Contingency Fee Basis — You pay $0 upfront; we only get paid if we win
✅ Bilingual Services — Se habla español
✅ Willing to Travel — We come to Monroe County for your case
✅ Proven Track Record — Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
Monroe County Families: Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
📞 Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) — 24/7 for Monroe County hazing emergencies
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
💻 Video Consultation: Available for Monroe County families who can’t travel
We serve hazing victims across Illinois and nationwide — including Monroe County. Distance is not a barrier to justice.
🔥 Warning to Fraternities Operating Near Monroe County
To the fraternities with chapters at universities near Monroe County:
We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter.
Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — if your chapter operates near Monroe County, know that Attorney 911 represents hazing victims across America.
The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN after our lawsuit. Your chapter could be next.
If you haze students in Illinois, we will pursue every liable entity — the university, the national organization, the housing corporation, and every individual member.
We have the evidence. We have the experience. And we will hold you accountable.
📚 Monroe County Hazing Resources
Illinois Anti-Hazing Organizations:
- HazingPrevention.Org — National organization with Illinois resources
- Clery Center — Campus safety advocacy
- StopHazing — Research and prevention resources
Illinois Hazing Laws:
- 720 ILCS 5/12C-55 — Illinois Anti-Hazing Statute
- 110 ILCS 1020/10 — Illinois College Campus Hazing Act
National Hazing Hotlines:
- Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Gordie Center: 1-888-500-GORDIE (for alcohol-related hazing)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Monroe County Families
Q: My child was hazed but doesn’t want to “snitch.” What should I do?
A: Your child’s safety and legal rights come first. Hazing is a crime in Illinois, and fraternities use intimidation to silence victims. An attorney can protect your child’s identity and pursue justice without unnecessary publicity.
Q: The fraternity says “it was just tradition” and “everyone went through it.” Is that a defense?
A: No. Illinois law explicitly says consent is not a defense to hazing. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. If the activities caused harm, they are illegal regardless of “tradition.”
Q: We’re in Monroe County, and the hazing happened at a college in another city. Can you still help?
A: Absolutely. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Illinois. We travel for depositions and meetings, and we offer video consultations. Distance is not a barrier.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay $0 unless and until we win your case. Our fee comes as a percentage of the recovery.
Q: What if the university says they didn’t know about the hazing?
A: Universities have a duty to protect students. If they own the fraternity house, they have even greater responsibility. We investigate what the university knew and when they knew it — and hold them accountable.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Illinois has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights expire.
Q: What if my child was drinking during the hazing? Will that hurt the case?
A: No. If the drinking was forced or coerced (as it often is in hazing), that actually strengthens the case. Forced consumption is a common hazing tactic and is illegal.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity, or just the local chapter?
A: Both. National organizations have deep pockets and often share liability for failing to supervise their chapters. We pursue every liable defendant to maximize recovery.
🎓 Monroe County Parents: Protect Your Child Before It’s Too Late
Monroe County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. You trust the university. You trust the fraternity. You trust that these institutions will protect your child.
That trust is being betrayed.
The same hazing that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez happens at universities near Monroe County. The same fraternities that have paid millions for hazing deaths operate chapters where your children might be pledging right now.
You can’t be there to protect them 24/7 — but you can give them the tools to protect themselves.
Talk to Your College Student About Hazing:
✅ What hazing looks like — forced drinking, physical abuse, sleep deprivation, humiliation
✅ How to recognize risky situations — “traditions” that involve physical or emotional harm
✅ How to say no — it’s okay to walk away; real brotherhood doesn’t require abuse
✅ How to report — to university officials, to national organizations, to law enforcement
✅ That you support them — no matter what, you’re on their side
Know the Warning Signs of Hazing:
🚩 Sudden secrecy about fraternity/sorority activities
🚩 Unexplained injuries or bruises
🚩 Changes in sleep patterns or exhaustion
🚩 Withdrawal from friends and family
🚩 Anxiety or depression about Greek life
🚩 Sudden weight loss or gain
🚩 Avoiding certain topics or acting fearful
If You Suspect Hazing — Act Immediately
Monroe County families: Don’t wait for a tragedy. If you suspect your child is being hazed, contact us for a free, confidential consultation. We can help you understand your options and protect your child’s rights.
📢 Final Message to Monroe County
Monroe County is known for its strong sense of community, family values, and commitment to the next generation. You work hard to give your children opportunities. You send them to college hoping they’ll build friendships, develop leadership skills, and prepare for successful futures.
You did not send them to college to be waterboarded. You did not send them to college to be forced to do 500 squats until their kidneys fail. You did not send them to college to be struck with wooden paddles or humiliated until they break down.
The same fraternities that did this to Leonel Bermudez operate at universities near Monroe County. The same universities that own the buildings where this abuse happens exist right here in Illinois. The same culture of silence and intimidation exists everywhere.
But there is hope.
Families like yours are fighting back. Leonel Bermudez’s family is fighting back. The families of Stone Foltz, Maxwell Gruver, Timothy Piazza, and Andrew Coffey fought back — and won millions in justice.
Monroe County families: You can fight back too.
If your child has been hazed — or if you suspect they have — call us today. We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are ready to fight for Monroe County.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
Monroe County hazing victims: Justice starts with a phone call.
