🛡️ Aiken County Hazing Legal Guide: Justice for Victims & Families
Hazing Happens Here Too — And Aiken County Families Deserve Justice
Aiken County is home to hardworking families, proud communities, and students pursuing higher education at institutions like University of South Carolina Aiken, Aiken Technical College, and nearby Augusta University. Many Aiken County students participate in Greek life, sports teams, ROTC, and other organizations where hazing occurs.
The same fraternities that waterboarded a student in Houston operate chapters near Aiken County. The same universities that failed to stop hazing in Texas have campuses in South Carolina. And the same culture of abuse that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez exists right here in our community.
This guide is for Aiken County families. If your child has been hazed — or if you’re concerned about the risks — you need to know your rights. Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We are ready to bring that same fight to Aiken County.
What Is Hazing? Aiken County Parents Need to Know
Hazing is not “tradition.” It’s not “team building.” It’s not “harmless fun.”
Hazing is abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture. And in South Carolina, it’s illegal.
South Carolina Hazing Law — What Aiken County Families Should Know
South Carolina has strong anti-hazing laws that apply to all schools, colleges, and organizations in Aiken County:
South Carolina Code § 59-101-200: Hazing Prohibited
(A) It is unlawful for any person to intentionally or recklessly engage in acts which have a foreseeable potential for causing physical harm to a person for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a school, college, or university.
Key Points for Aiken County:
- Criminal offense — Hazing is a crime in South Carolina
- Physical harm potential — Even if no injury occurs, the law is violated if harm was foreseeable
- Applies to ALL organizations — Fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, clubs
- Applies to ALL schools — Public, private, technical colleges, high schools
Penalties for Hazing in South Carolina
| Offense | Penalty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine | For hazing that does not result in death or serious injury |
| Felony | Up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fine | If hazing results in death or serious injury |
Aiken County Families: If your child was hazed and suffered serious injury — like rhabdomyolysis, broken bones, or psychological trauma — the perpetrators could face felony charges.
The Aiken County Hazing Crisis: It’s Happening Here Too
Universities Near Aiken County with Greek Life
| Institution | Location | Greek Life Presence | Distance from Aiken |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Carolina Aiken | Aiken, SC | Yes — multiple fraternities & sororities | 0 miles — In Aiken County |
| Augusta University | Augusta, GA | Yes — active Greek system | 15 miles from Aiken |
| University of South Carolina Columbia | Columbia, SC | Yes — large Greek system | 60 miles from Aiken |
| Clemson University | Clemson, SC | Yes — historic Greek life | 120 miles from Aiken |
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | Yes — active Greek system | 140 miles from Aiken |
Aiken County Parents: If your child attends or plans to attend any of these schools, they are at risk of hazing.
Fraternities with Chapters Near Aiken County That Have Hazing Histories
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Chapters Near Aiken County? |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017, death), Leonel Bermudez (2025, kidney failure) | Yes — USC Columbia, Clemson |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon | Multiple deaths, including at University of Alabama | Yes — USC Columbia |
| Pi Kappa Alpha | Stone Foltz (2021, death), multiple hospitalizations | Yes — USC Columbia, Clemson |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (2017, death) | Yes — USC Columbia |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017, death) | Yes — USC Columbia |
These are the same fraternities operating in Aiken County’s backyard. If they hazed students in Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania, they are hazing students in South Carolina too.
What Aiken County Parents Are Seeing — The Warning Signs
Red Flags That Your Child Is Being Hazed
| Sign | What It Might Mean |
|---|---|
| Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries | Physical abuse |
| Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation | Forced late-night activities |
| Sudden weight loss or gain | Forced eating or starvation |
| Changes in behavior — withdrawal, anxiety, depression | Psychological trauma |
| Secretive about activities | Hazing is often kept hidden |
| Suddenly avoiding certain people or places | Fear of retaliation |
| Unexplained expenses | Forced to buy alcohol, pay for events |
| Wearing unusual clothing or items | “Traditions” like carrying objects |
| Talking about “pledging” or “initiations” | Hazing often happens during pledge process |
Aiken County Parents: If you notice these signs, ask questions. If your child is reluctant to talk, contact an attorney. Hazing victims are often afraid of retaliation or social consequences.
The Medical Consequences of Hazing — What Aiken County Families Face
Hazing doesn’t just cause temporary discomfort. It can cause permanent, life-altering injuries — or death.
Physical Injuries from Hazing
| Injury | Cause | Medical Consequences | Aiken County Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhabdomyolysis | Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, bear crawls) | Muscle breakdown, kidney failure, death | Aiken Regional Medical Centers, Augusta University Medical Center |
| Acute Alcohol Poisoning | Forced drinking | Vomiting, unconsciousness, death | Emergency room care |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Beatings, falls | Permanent cognitive impairment | Neurological specialists |
| Broken Bones | Physical abuse | Surgery, long-term rehabilitation | Orthopedic care |
| Internal Bleeding | Blows to abdomen | Emergency surgery, organ damage | Trauma centers |
| Hypothermia/Hyperthermia | Exposure to elements | Organ failure, death | Emergency treatment |
| Burns | Branding, hot objects | Scarring, infection | Burn units |
Psychological Trauma from Hazing
| Condition | Symptoms | Long-Term Impact | Aiken County Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTSD | Flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety | Difficulty functioning in daily life | Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Center, private therapists |
| Depression | Hopelessness, fatigue, suicidal thoughts | Risk of self-harm | Mental health professionals |
| Anxiety Disorders | Panic attacks, social withdrawal | Difficulty with relationships, work | Counseling services |
| Substance Abuse | Self-medicating with drugs/alcohol | Addiction, health decline | Recovery programs |
Aiken County Families: If your child has been hazed, seek medical and psychological treatment immediately. Document everything. These records will be critical if you pursue legal action.
Aiken County Families Have Rights — Legal Options After Hazing
If your child has been hazed in Aiken County or at a nearby institution, you have multiple legal options:
1. Criminal Charges — Holding Perpetrators Accountable
- South Carolina hazing law allows for criminal prosecution
- Assault and battery charges may apply for physical abuse
- Reckless endangerment for dangerous activities
- Aiken County Solicitor’s Office handles prosecutions
What to Do:
- File a police report with Aiken Department of Public Safety or Aiken County Sheriff’s Office
- Request that charges be filed
- Work with prosecutors
Attorney 911 Can Help:
- We can assist in documenting evidence for criminal cases
- We can coordinate with law enforcement
- We can represent victims in criminal proceedings
2. Civil Lawsuit — Financial Compensation for Aiken County Families
Even if criminal charges are filed, civil lawsuits allow families to pursue financial compensation for the harm caused.
Who Can Be Sued in Aiken County:
- The local fraternity/sorority chapter — direct liability
- National fraternity/sorority organization — failed to supervise
- University/college — premises liability, negligent supervision
- Individual members — personal liability for assault, battery
- Alumni/hosts — premises liability for off-campus hazing
- Insurance companies — coverage for liability
Damages Aiken County Families Can Recover:
| Damage Type | Examples | Aiken County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, therapy, medications | Aiken Regional, Augusta University, specialists |
| Future Medical Costs | Long-term treatment, rehabilitation | Kidney monitoring, physical therapy |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work | Part-time jobs, internships |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical and emotional trauma | PTSD, depression, anxiety |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for egregious conduct | Waterboarding, forced drinking, extreme physical abuse |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death | Funeral expenses, loss of companionship |
Precedent for Aiken County Families:
- $10.1 million — Stone Foltz case (Ohio)
- $6.1 million — Maxwell Gruver case (Louisiana)
- $110+ million — Timothy Piazza case (Pennsylvania)
- $10 million — Bermudez case (Texas, pending)
Aiken County Families: These same results are possible in South Carolina.
3. Title IX Complaint — For Gender-Based Hazing
If hazing involved sexual harassment, assault, or gender discrimination, victims can file a Title IX complaint with their school.
Title IX applies to:
- Sexual assault during hazing
- Forced nudity or sexual acts
- Gender-based humiliation
- Retaliation for reporting
What to Do:
- File complaint with school’s Title IX office
- Request protective measures (no-contact orders, housing changes)
- Attorney 911 can assist with Title IX process
What Aiken County Families Should Do Immediately After Hazing
Step-by-Step Action Plan
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ensure Safety | Remove victim from dangerous situation | Prevent further harm |
| 2. Seek Medical Attention | Go to Aiken Regional or Augusta University ER | Document injuries; prevent complications |
| 3. Preserve Evidence | Save texts, photos, videos, social media | Critical for legal cases |
| 4. Document Everything | Write down what happened, when, where, who was involved | Memory fades; details matter |
| 5. Do NOT Talk to the Organization | Avoid meetings, statements, or apologies | They will use your words against you |
| 6. Contact an Attorney | Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 | Know your rights before making decisions |
| 7. File Police Report | With Aiken DPS or Aiken County Sheriff | Start criminal process |
| 8. Report to School | File formal complaint with university | Trigger internal investigation |
| 9. Seek Counseling | Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Center | Address psychological trauma |
| 10. Do NOT Accept Settlement Offers | Insurance companies will lowball you | Consult attorney first |
Why Aiken County Families Choose Attorney 911
We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now — And We’ll Fight for Aiken County Too
Our Current Case: $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit Against Pi Kappa Phi and University of Houston
- Victim: Leonel Bermudez — hospitalized with kidney failure after hazing
- Hazing Activities: Waterboarding, 500 squats, wooden paddles, forced eating until vomiting
- Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi National, UH chapter, University of Houston, individual members
- Status: Lawsuit filed November 21, 2025; ongoing litigation
This is not hypothetical. This is happening now. And we are ready to bring this fight to Aiken County.
Why Aiken County Families Trust Us
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Aiken County |
|---|---|
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies think — we used to work for them. Now we use that knowledge to maximize your recovery. |
| Federal Court Authority | We can pursue cases in federal court, which is critical for cases involving national fraternities. |
| Dual-State Licensed | Texas and New York — strategic advantage for national organizations. |
| Nationwide Service | We represent hazing victims anywhere in America, including Aiken County. |
| 25+ Years Experience | Battle-tested in courtrooms across Texas and federal courts. |
| Multi-Million Dollar Results | We have won millions for victims of negligence and abuse. |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Aiken County families. |
| Contingency Fee | $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid. |
| Will Travel to Aiken County | For depositions, trials, and client meetings. |
What Aiken County Families Say About Working With Us
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.” — Dame Haskett
“They treated me like family. I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” — Ambur Hamilton
“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello and they said that they would take it. And in the next few months I got a call to pick up this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox
“If you’re ever in a car accident, I highly recommend you give them a call 10/10. The staff provides great customer service and show they are a firm that cares about their clients!” — Devin Hebert
Aiken County Families: We treat every client with the same care and dedication.
Aiken County Hazing Resources
Medical Care
| Facility | Address | Phone | Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aiken Regional Medical Centers | 302 University Pkwy, Aiken, SC 29801 | (803) 641-5000 | Emergency care, trauma, specialists |
| Augusta University Medical Center | 1120 15th St, Augusta, GA 30912 | (706) 721-2273 | Level I trauma center, burn unit |
| Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Center | 1135 Gregg Hwy, Aiken, SC 29801 | (803) 641-7700 | Mental health counseling, crisis intervention |
Law Enforcement
| Agency | Address | Phone | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aiken Department of Public Safety | 251 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801 | (803) 642-7620 | City of Aiken |
| Aiken County Sheriff’s Office | 420 Hampton Ave NE, Aiken, SC 29801 | (803) 648-6811 | Aiken County |
| South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) | P.O. Box 21398, Columbia, SC 29221 | (803) 737-9000 | Statewide investigations |
Education
| Institution | Title IX Office | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| USC Aiken | Title IX Coordinator | (803) 641-3648 | usca.edu/titleix |
| Augusta University | Title IX Coordinator | (706) 721-0900 | augusta.edu/titleix |
| USC Columbia | Title IX Coordinator | (803) 777-3854 | sc.edu/titleix |
Support Organizations
| Organization | Services | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Clery Center | Campus safety advocacy | (484) 580-8754 |
| StopHazing | Hazing prevention resources | — |
| RAINN | Sexual assault support | 800-656-HOPE |
Aiken County Hazing Prevention: What Schools and Organizations Should Do
For Universities Near Aiken County:
- Conduct independent hazing audits — Don’t rely on fraternities to self-report
- Ban dangerous activities — No forced drinking, physical abuse, sleep deprivation
- Implement real oversight — Regular inspections of fraternity houses
- Enforce consequences — Suspend or expel organizations that haze
- Educate students — Mandatory hazing prevention training
For Greek Organizations Near Aiken County:
- End the pledge process — Move to membership models without hazing
- Report violations — No more “brotherhood code” protecting abusers
- Hold leaders accountable — Chapter presidents and officers must be responsible
- Work with universities — Transparent reporting of activities
- Support victims — No retaliation for reporting hazing
For Aiken County Parents:
- Talk to your children — About the risks of hazing and their rights
- Know the signs — Bruises, fatigue, anxiety, secrecy
- Ask questions — About pledge activities, traditions, expectations
- Encourage reporting — Make sure they know they can come to you
- Be informed — Research the organizations they’re joining
Aiken County’s Message to Fraternities: We Are Watching
To Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi — and every fraternity operating near Aiken County:
We know what you’re doing. We know about the waterboarding. We know about the forced drinking. We know about the 500 squats. We know about the wooden paddles.
We know about Andrew Coffey. We know about Stone Foltz. We know about Timothy Piazza. And now we know about Leonel Bermudez.
If you haze students in Aiken County, we will find out. And we will sue you. And we will win.
The $10 million lawsuit we filed in Texas is just the beginning. If you think Aiken County families won’t fight back, you’re wrong.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are coming for every organization that thinks they can abuse our children and get away with it.
Aiken County Families: You Are Not Alone
If your child has been hazed — or if you’re concerned about the risks — contact us immediately.
Free, Confidential Consultation for Aiken County Families
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We work on contingency — $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
We will travel to Aiken County for your case.
You have rights. You have options. And you have us.
Aiken County Parents: The Time to Act Is Now
Hazing doesn’t stop on its own. Universities won’t fix it. Fraternities won’t change unless they’re forced to.
The only way to stop hazing is to hold them accountable.
Call us today. Let’s protect your child — and the next Aiken County student from becoming a victim.
© 2025 Attorney 911 | Aiken County Hazing Legal Guide | Serving Aiken County and Nationwide