🚨 Hazing in Putnam County: Your Child Is Not Safe — What Every Putnam County Parent Needs to Know

A fraternity at University of Houston just hospitalized a student with kidney failure from hazing. The same fraternities operate in Putnam County. The same dangers exist here. And Attorney 911 is fighting back — we’re suing the fraternity, the national organization, and the university for $10 million. Putnam County families need to know the truth.

🔥 The Hazing Crisis Has Come to Putnam County — Are Your Children Safe?

Putnam County is known for its strong community values, excellent schools, and beautiful landscapes. Families here send their children to college expecting them to be safe — to learn, to grow, to make lifelong friends. But a hidden epidemic is shattering those expectations.

Hazing is not a distant problem. It’s happening right here in New York. And it’s happening at the colleges and universities near Putnam County where our children go to school.

The Shocking Truth About Hazing in Putnam County

1. The same national fraternities that hazed a student in Texas have active chapters near Putnam County.

   • Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — these are just some of the fraternities with chapters at colleges near Putnam County.
   • The same organizations that waterboarded a student in Houston, killed a student at Penn State, and hospitalized a student at LSU operate right here in New York.

2. Hazing doesn’t just happen in fraternities.

   • Sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and even academic clubs engage in hazing.
   • 55% of students in Greek organizations experience hazing.
   • 40% of student athletes report hazing.

3. Universities near Putnam County have the same failures as University of Houston.

   • UH owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded.
   • They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 and did nothing to prevent it from happening again.
   • The same negligence exists at colleges near Putnam County.

4. Hazing is not “tradition” — it’s abuse.

   • Waterboarding is torture. Forced drinking is assault. Extreme physical punishment is battery.
   • These are not “pranks” or “initiation rituals.” They are crimes.

5. Most victims don’t report it — and most cases go unpunished.

   • 95% of students who are hazed do NOT report it.
   • They fear retaliation, social ostracism, or being kicked out of the organization.
   • This silence allows the abuse to continue.

🏥 The Hazing That Hospitalized a Student in Texas Could Happen to Your Child in Putnam County

The Case That Should Terrify Every Putnam County Parent

Leonel Bermudez wasn’t even a student at University of Houston yet. He was a “ghost rush” — a prospective member expected to transfer for the upcoming semester. On September 16, 2025, he accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.

What followed was seven weeks of systematic abuse and torture that left him hospitalized with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure for three nights and four days.

What They Did to Him:

The Result:

• November 3, 2025: After being forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, and other extreme exercises, Bermudez collapsed and could not stand without help.
• November 4: “Really sore and couldn’t really move.”
• November 5: “The next day was worse.”
• November 6: Mother rushes him to hospital with brown urine — a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis.
• November 6-10: Hospitalized for 3 nights, 4 days with acute kidney failure.

This wasn’t an accident. This was a choice. And it could happen to your child in Putnam County.

🏛️ The Same Fraternities Are Active Near Putnam County

Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America, including in New York. While we don’t have evidence of hazing at specific Putnam County chapters, the pattern is clear:

• If it happened at UH, it can happen here.
• If it happened at FSU, it can happen here.
• If it happened at Penn State, it can happen here.

Colleges and Universities Near Putnam County with Greek Life:

While Putnam County itself is a smaller community, it is surrounded by major colleges and universities where Greek life thrives. These institutions include:

These are just some of the institutions near Putnam County where your child might encounter Greek life — and the same hazing risks.

The National Fraternities with Hazing Histories Operating Near Putnam County:

These are not isolated incidents. This is a pattern. And these same fraternities have chapters near Putnam County.

⚖️ New York Hazing Laws: What Putnam County Families Need to Know

New York Education Law § 6450 — Hazing Prohibited

New York has strong anti-hazing laws. Hazing is illegal in New York, and consent is not a defense.

Definition of Hazing (§ 6450):

Any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization.

Penalties:

• Class A Misdemeanor — Up to 1 year in jail
• Class E Felony if it causes serious physical injury — Up to 4 years in prison

Consent is Not a Defense (§ 6450):

“The consent of the victim shall not be a defense to any prosecution under this section.”

This means: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law still considers it hazing.

💔 The Psychological Toll of Hazing on Putnam County Students

Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries. It leaves deep psychological scars that can last a lifetime.

What Hazing Does to Your Child:

Our client in Texas is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” This fear is real. And it’s why so many victims stay silent.

🏢 Why Universities Near Putnam County Are Failing Our Children

Universities have a legal and moral duty to protect their students. But time and time again, they fail to act until it’s too late.

How Universities Enable Hazing:

1. They Own the Properties Where Hazing Occurs

   • University of Houston owned the fraternity house where Leonel Bermudez was waterboarded.
   • Many universities near Putnam County own or lease properties to Greek organizations.
   • They collect rent while students are being tortured.

2. They Have the Power to Regulate — But Don’t

   • Universities can inspect fraternity houses.
   • They can suspend or ban organizations.
   • They can implement real oversight.
   • But they choose not to until someone gets hurt or killed.

3. They Cover Up Incidents to Protect Their Reputation

   • When hazing happens, universities often minimize it or hide it to avoid bad publicity.
   • They pressure victims to stay quiet.
   • They handle “investigations” internally, often with no real consequences.

4. They Have Prior Knowledge — And Do Nothing

   • University of Houston had a prior hazing hospitalization in 2017 at a different fraternity.
   • They knew hazing was dangerous.
   • They knew it could happen again.
   • They did nothing — and Leonel Bermudez paid the price.

5. They Value Money Over Safety

   • Greek organizations bring in donations, alumni connections, and tuition dollars.
   • Universities don’t want to lose that revenue.
   • So they look the other way while students are abused.

🚨 Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed in Putnam County

Hazing is often hidden, but there are warning signs parents can watch for:

If you notice these signs, talk to your child. Ask direct questions. And if you suspect hazing, contact us immediately.

🛡️ What Putnam County Parents Can Do to Protect Their Children

1. Educate Your Child About Hazing

Talk to your child before they go to college — or if they’re already in college, talk to them now.

• Explain what hazing is — it’s not just “initiation”; it’s abuse.
• Tell them consent doesn’t matter — even if they agree, it’s still illegal.
• Emphasize that they can say no — real friends won’t force them to do dangerous things.
• Give them permission to call you — no matter what time, no matter what’s happening.

2. Research the Organizations

• Before your child joins any organization (fraternity, sorority, sports team, club), research it.
• Look for prior hazing incidents at that chapter.
• Search the organization’s name + “hazing” or “lawsuit.”
• If there’s a history of hazing, that’s a red flag.

3. Visit the Chapter House

• If your child is considering joining a Greek organization, visit the chapter house.
• Look for safety hazards — fire risks, poor maintenance.
• Ask about hazing prevention policies.
• Talk to current members — do they seem happy and healthy, or stressed and exhausted?

4. Know the University’s Policies

• Research the university’s hazing prevention policies.
• Ask the university:
  • How do you monitor Greek organizations?
  • What training do you provide on hazing prevention?
  • What happens when hazing is reported?
  • How many hazing incidents have you had in the last 5 years?

5. Monitor Your Child’s Well-Being

• Stay in regular contact with your child.
• Ask open-ended questions: “How are things going with your new friends?”
• Watch for warning signs of hazing.
• Trust your instincts — if something feels off, it probably is.

6. Have an Exit Plan

• Make sure your child knows they can leave at any time.
• Tell them: “If you ever feel unsafe, call me. I’ll come get you — no questions asked.”
• Give them the number for a crisis hotline (e.g., National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE).

📞 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Putnam County

Step 1: Ensure Their Safety

• If your child is in immediate danger, call 911.
• If they’re injured, seek medical attention immediately.
• Remove them from the situation if possible.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

• Take photos of any injuries.
• Save all communications — texts, emails, social media messages.
• Write down everything they remember — dates, times, locations, what happened, who was involved.
• Get names and contact information of any witnesses.

Step 3: Report the Incident

• Report to the university — file a formal complaint.
• Report to local law enforcement — hazing is a crime in New York.
• Report to the national organization (if applicable).
• Contact the National Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE

Step 4: Seek Legal Help

• Do not talk to the organization, the university, or their lawyers without legal counsel.
• Do not sign anything from the organization or university.
• Contact Attorney 911 immediately for a free consultation.

Step 5: Get Support

• Medical support — ensure your child gets the physical care they need.
• Mental health support — therapy for trauma, anxiety, depression.
• Academic support — work with the university to address any academic disruptions.
• Family support — this is a difficult time; lean on each other.

⚖️ Why Putnam County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now — And We’ll Fight for Putnam County Families Too

We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical for us — it’s happening right now. And we’re bringing the same aggressive representation to Putnam County families.

Why Putnam County Families Trust Us:

1. We Have Hazing Litigation Expertise

   • We have specific experience with fraternity hazing cases.
   • We understand the culture, the dynamics, and the legal strategies that work.
   • We know how to hold institutions accountable.

2. We Are Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

   • We know how insurance companies think.
   • We know their playbook — and we use that knowledge against them.
   • We’ve seen their tactics from the inside, and we dismantle them.

3. We Have Federal Court Authority

   • We can pursue cases in federal court, which is crucial for national fraternity cases.
   • We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas.
   • We can represent Putnam County families no matter where the hazing occurred.

4. We Are Dual-State Licensed

   • Licensed in Texas and New York — strategic advantage for national cases.
   • We can pursue national fraternity organizations headquartered anywhere in America.

5. We Offer Remote Consultations for Putnam County Families

   • Distance is not a barrier.
   • Video consultations available.
   • We travel to Putnam County for meetings, depositions, and trials.

6. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront for Putnam County Families

   • No hourly fees.
   • No upfront costs.
   • We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
   • This levels the playing field against powerful institutions.

7. We Have a Proven Track Record of Results

   • We’ve recovered millions of dollars for victims of negligence.
   • We’ve handled complex cases against massive institutions.
   • We know how to win.

8. We Care About Our Clients

   • We see your child as a person, not a paycheck.
   • We fight hard because we truly care about justice.
   • We treat Putnam County families like family.

📞 Putnam County Families: You Are Not Alone — We Can Help

If your child has been hazed in Putnam County or at a college near Putnam County, you have legal rights. You have the right to hold the perpetrators and the institutions that enabled them accountable. You have the right to compensation for your child’s injuries. And you have the right to ensure this never happens to another Putnam County family.

We are here to help. Call us now for a free, confidential consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

We serve Putnam County families and hazing victims nationwide.

🔥 Our Message to Fraternities Operating Near Putnam County

To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and every other fraternity with chapters near Putnam County:

We are watching. We are coming. And we will hold you accountable.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. The same evidence that hospitalized our client in Texas exists in your chapters. And the same justice that Putnam County families deserve will be served.

If you haze students in Putnam County, we will find every liable entity. We will sue the local chapter. We will sue the national organization. We will sue the university. We will sue the individuals. And we will make you pay.

The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston? SHUT DOWN. Our client’s $10 million lawsuit is ongoing. Your chapter could be next.

🏛️ Our Message to Universities Near Putnam County

To Columbia, NYU, Fordham, Pace, Marist, SUNY New Paltz, and every university near Putnam County:

The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now — or face the same accountability.

You own the properties. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect. When you fail, students get hurt. And when students get hurt, we sue.

We are coming for every university that enables hazing. We will hold you accountable for your failures. And we will make you change.

📅 The Time to Act Is Now — Putnam County Cannot Wait

Hazing is not a problem that will go away on its own. It requires action from parents, students, universities, and the legal system.

Putnam County families:

• Talk to your children about hazing.
• Watch for warning signs.
• Know your rights.
• If hazing happens, call us immediately.

Universities near Putnam County:

• Implement real oversight.
• Inspect fraternity houses.
• Train students and staff on hazing prevention.
• Hold organizations accountable before someone gets hurt.

Students in Putnam County:

• Know that consent is not a defense — hazing is illegal even if you agree.
• You have the right to say no.
• You have the right to leave.
• You have the right to report.
• You are not alone.

🎯 The Bottom Line for Putnam County

Hazing is happening near Putnam County. The same fraternities that waterboarded a student in Texas, killed a student at Penn State, and hospitalized a student at LSU operate in New York. The same negligence that allowed these tragedies to happen exists at universities near Putnam County.

But there is hope.

• Leonel Bermudez is fighting back — and so can your child.
• Attorney 911 is fighting back — and we’re ready to fight for Putnam County families.
• New York has strong anti-hazing laws — and we know how to use them.
• Multi-million dollar verdicts are possible — and we know how to win them.

Putnam County cannot wait for another tragedy. The time to act is now.

🚨 Putnam County Parents: Have You Talked to Your Child About Hazing?

If not, do it today. And if hazing has already happened, call us now.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

We are Attorney 911 — and we’re here to help Putnam County families.

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Serving Putnam County and nationwide.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Contact us for a free consultation.