🛡️ Greene County Hazing Legal Guide: Justice for Victims of Fraternity and Sorority Abuse
Attorney 911: Fighting for Greene County Families Against Greek Life Hazing
🚨 Hazing in Greene County: A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight
Greene County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities near Greene County will protect their students. They assume that fraternities and sororities near Greene County operate with basic standards of decency.
That trust is being betrayed.
Right now, in fraternity houses and sorority basements near Greene County, students are being subjected to:
- Physical torture — forced exercise until collapse, beatings with paddles, waterboarding
- Psychological abuse — humiliation, degradation, threats of expulsion
- Dangerous consumption — forced alcohol until vomiting, forced food until choking
- Sexual humiliation — carrying sexual objects, forced nudity, sexualized rituals
This isn’t tradition. This isn’t brotherhood. This is abuse.
And when Greene County students are hospitalized — or worse — the institutions responsible close ranks, cover up, and blame the victim.
We won’t let them.
Attorney 911 is 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 bring the same fight to Greene County.
🏢 Who We Are: Greene County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Attorney 911: Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Serving Greene County
While based in Texas (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Greene County. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue national fraternities and sororities wherever they operate — including near Greene County.
Why Greene County Families Choose Attorney 911
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Greene County |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years Courtroom Experience | Proven track record fighting powerful institutions |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how insurance companies try to deny claims — and how to beat them |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Greene County cases in federal jurisdiction |
| Dual-State Bar (Texas & New York) | Strategic advantage against national organizations headquartered in New York |
| Former Prosecutors | Know how to build cases that win in court |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M UH hazing case — same strategies available for Greene County |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual representation for Greene County’s diverse community |
| Will Travel to Greene County | For depositions, trials, and client meetings — distance is not a barrier |
| Contingency Fee | $0 upfront — we don’t get paid unless you win |
“We don’t just talk about hazing. We’re fighting it RIGHT NOW. And we’ll fight for Greene County victims with the same fury.”
— Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner, Attorney 911
🔍 The Hazing Crisis in Greene County: What’s Really Happening
Greene County Parents: These Are the Same Greek Letters on Your Child’s Campus
The national fraternities and sororities operating near Greene County aren’t just local clubs — they’re multi-million dollar organizations with chapters across America. And they share a culture.
These are the same organizations that have paid MILLIONS in hazing settlements:
| Fraternity | University | Victim | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Bowling Green State | Stone Foltz | 2021 | $10.1M settlement |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Northern Illinois | David Bogenberger | 2012 | $14M settlement |
| Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Timothy Piazza | 2017 | $110M+ settlement |
| Phi Delta Theta | LSU | Maxwell Gruver | 2017 | $6.1M jury verdict |
| Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Andrew Coffey | 2017 | Confidential settlement |
| Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | Leonel Bermudez | 2025 | $10M lawsuit pending |
Greene County families: These same fraternities have chapters at universities near Greene County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist in Greene County.
The Hazing Playbook: What’s Happening Near Greene County
Based on our current case and documented precedents, this is what hazing looks like at universities near Greene County:
Physical Abuse
- Extreme exercise: 500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls, 100-yard crawls until collapse
- Paddling: Struck with wooden paddles, sometimes until bruised
- Waterboarding: Simulated drowning with hoses or buckets
- Sleep deprivation: Forced to drive members at all hours, late-night activities
- Exposure: Forced to strip in cold weather, sprayed with water
Forced Consumption
- Alcohol: Forced binge drinking until vomiting or passing out
- Food: Forced to eat until vomiting (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns, etc.)
- Non-food: Forced to consume dangerous substances
Psychological Torture
- Humiliation: Forced to carry sexual objects, wear degrading clothing
- False imprisonment: Hog-tied face-down for hours
- Threats: Threatened with expulsion or physical harm for non-compliance
- Isolation: Cut off from friends, family, normal activities
Medical Consequences
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) → kidney failure → hospitalization (like our client)
- Alcohol poisoning → coma → death
- Traumatic brain injury from falls or beatings
- Hypothermia/hyperthermia from exposure
- PTSD, anxiety, depression from psychological trauma
- Death
⚠️ The Landmark Case: Why This Matters for Greene County
Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi — The $10 Million Fight We’re Bringing to Greene County
Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez
Defendants: Pi Kappa Phi (national and local), University of Houston, individual members
Damages Sought: $10,000,000
Status: Lawsuit filed November 21, 2025
What Happened to Leonel Bermudez:
Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston in September 2025. He wasn’t even enrolled at UH yet — he was a “ghost rush,” expected to transfer for Spring 2026.
Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse:
- Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until he couldn’t stand
- Struck with wooden paddles
- Forced to consume milk and food until vomiting, then forced to continue exercising
- Another pledge collapsed unconscious on October 15 — they kept going
- On November 3, he was punished with extreme exercise until he collapsed
- He crawled up the stairs when he got home (per Ralph Manginello’s quote)
- The next day, he couldn’t move
- His mother rushed him to the hospital on November 6
- Diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
- Hospitalized for 3 nights and 4 days
Why This Matters for Greene County:
- Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across America — including near Greene County
- The same national organization that paid millions after Andrew Coffey’s death oversaw the chapter that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client exist at Greene County fraternities
- Universities near Greene County face the same liability failures as UH
- If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Greene County, they face the same risks
“This happened in Houston. It could happen in Greene County. And we will fight for Greene County families with the same aggression we’re bringing to this case.”
— Lupe Pena, Associate Attorney, Attorney 911
⚖️ Legal Rights of Greene County Hazing Victims
Ohio Hazing Laws: Your Legal Protections
Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31 defines hazing as:
“Doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person.”
Key Provisions for Greene County Victims:
| Provision | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Criminal Penalties | Hazing is a 4th degree misdemeanor (up to 30 days jail, $250 fine) |
| Felony Hazing | If hazing creates substantial risk of serious physical harm, it’s a 3rd degree felony (up to 5 years prison) |
| Consent Not a Defense | Even if the victim “agreed” to participate, it’s still illegal |
| Organizational Liability | Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be held criminally liable |
| Immunity for Reporting | Individuals who report hazing in good faith are immune from liability |
Civil Liability: Who Can Be Sued
| Defendant | Basis for Liability |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew or should have known about hazing |
| University | Failed to protect students; owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Individual Members | Participated in hazing activities |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing |
| House Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred |
| Alumni | Hosted hazing at their homes; premises liability |
Damages Available to Greene County Victims
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, future medical care |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries; emotional trauma |
| Mental Anguish | PTSD, anxiety, depression from hazing |
| Disfigurement | Scars from paddling, branding, or burns |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in normal activities |
| Punitive Damages | To punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing |
| Wrongful Death | If hazing results in death |
💰 What Greene County Hazing Cases Are Worth
Precedent Settlements and Verdicts
| Case | Fraternity | University | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Pi Kappa Alpha | Bowling Green State | Settlement | $10.1M |
| Maxwell Gruver | Phi Delta Theta | LSU | Jury Verdict | $6.1M |
| Timothy Piazza | Beta Theta Pi | Penn State | Settlement | $110M+ |
| Andrew Coffey | Pi Kappa Phi | Florida State | Settlement | Confidential |
| Adam Oakes | Delta Chi | VCU | Settlement | $4M+ |
| Bermudez | Pi Kappa Phi | University of Houston | Lawsuit Filed | $10M demanded |
Greene County families: These results are possible for your child.
Factors That Increase Case Value
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Severe injuries | Hospitalization, surgery, permanent damage |
| Wrongful death | Highest value cases — represents lifetime lost |
| Pattern of abuse | Multiple incidents at same chapter |
| Institutional knowledge | University/fraternity knew about prior hazing |
| Cover-up attempts | Increases punitive damages |
| Egregious conduct | Waterboarding, paddling, extreme physical abuse |
| Media attention | Public pressure increases settlement value |
| Multiple victims | Potential class action or consolidated cases |
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Greene County
Immediate Action Protocol
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ensure Safety | Remove victim from dangerous situation immediately | Prevent further harm |
| 2. Seek Medical Attention | Go to ER or urgent care — even if injuries seem minor | Document injuries; rule out life-threatening conditions |
| 3. Preserve Evidence | Take photos/videos of injuries, hazing locations, objects used | Critical for building your case |
| 4. Save Communications | Screenshot all texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, emails | Direct evidence of hazing |
| 5. Document Witnesses | Get names and contact info of other pledges, bystanders | Corroborating testimony |
| 6. Do NOT Talk to the Organization | No statements to fraternity/sorority, university, or their lawyers | They will try to manipulate your words |
| 7. Do NOT Post on Social Media | Anything you post can be used against you | Protect your case |
| 8. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately | Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for free consultation | Preserve your rights; evidence disappears fast |
⚠️ CRITICAL: Evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses forget. Statutes of limitations expire. Contact us within 72 hours for maximum protection.
📞 Greene County Families: Contact Attorney 911 Now
Free Consultation — 24/7 — No Upfront Cost
📞 Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: attorney911.com
📍 Video Consultation: Available for Greene County families
We work on CONTINGENCY — you pay $0 upfront. We don’t get paid unless you win.
What Happens When You Call?
- Free Case Evaluation — We listen to your story and assess your legal options
- Immediate Evidence Preservation — We send preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction
- Medical Referrals — We help you document all injuries
- No Pressure — You decide whether to move forward
- Aggressive Representation — If you choose to proceed, we fight for maximum compensation
“Greene County families: You are not alone. We are fighting this battle right now, and we will fight for you.”
— Ralph Manginello
🎯 Our Message to Greene County Fraternities and Sororities
To the Greek Organizations Operating Near Greene 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, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma — if your chapter operates near Greene County, know that Attorney 911 represents victims across America.
We track your house corporations, your alumni chapters, your national insurance structures, and your documented history of hazing deaths and injuries.
If your Greene County chapter harms students, we will pursue every liable entity. We already shut down Beta Nu at UH. Your chapter could be next.
To the Universities Near Greene County:
The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus.
You own the fraternity houses. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect.
Act now — or face the same accountability.
🏆 Why Attorney 911 Is the Right Choice for Greene County Families
1. We’re Already Fighting This Battle
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 win.
2. We Have the Expertise
- 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
- Former insurance defense attorneys — we know their playbook
- Federal court authority — can pursue cases nationwide
- Dual-state bar licenses — strategic advantage against national organizations
- Hazing-specific knowledge — rhabdomyolysis cases, university liability, Greek life culture
3. We Understand the Culture
Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach. He understands:
- The pressure to conform
- The fear of social exclusion
- The power dynamics of Greek life
- The psychology of hazing
“I’ve seen what fraternities do to kids. I’m fighting it in court right now. And I will fight for Greene County families because I truly care.”
— Ralph Manginello
4. We Get Results
Google My Business Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 Stars | 250+ Reviews
Client Testimonials:
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer regarding my case.”
— Dame Haskett
“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 come pick up this handsome check.”
— Donald Wilcox
“The Manginello Law Firm treated me with honesty and respect from the very beginning. I was able to trust the firm to advocate for me.”
— Debra Cambric-Chisolm
5. We’re Accessible to Greene County
- Video consultations available for Greene County families
- We travel to Greene County for depositions, trials, and client meetings
- Bilingual representation — se habla español
- 24/7 availability — hazing emergencies don’t wait
6. We Remove Financial Barriers
Contingency Fee: We don’t get paid unless you win.
- $0 upfront cost
- No hourly billing
- No hidden fees
- You keep the majority of your settlement
“We understand that cost can be a prohibitive factor. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency. Greene County families pay nothing unless we win.”
📚 Educational Resources for Greene County Families
Hazing Warning Signs
| Sign | What It Might Mean |
|---|---|
| Sudden secrecy about activities | Hazing often requires pledges to keep secrets |
| Sudden change in appearance | Wearing unusual clothing, carrying strange objects |
| Unexplained injuries | Bruises, cuts, limping |
| Sudden withdrawal | Avoiding friends, family, normal activities |
| Sudden drop in grades | Hazing consumes time and energy |
| Sleep deprivation | Late-night activities, early-morning calls |
| Sudden wealth of new “brothers” or “sisters” | Pledges often required to buy gifts for members |
| References to “traditions” or “big/little” | Hazing often disguised as “tradition” |
What to Say to Your College Student
“I want you to have the full college experience — but I also want you to come home safe. If anything happens that makes you uncomfortable, if anyone pressures you to do something dangerous, if you feel threatened or humiliated — I want you to call me. No questions asked. No judgment. I’m here to help.”
Questions to Ask Your Child’s University
- What is your hazing prevention policy?
- How do you monitor Greek life organizations?
- What training do you provide to fraternity and sorority leaders?
- How do you respond to hazing complaints?
- What disciplinary actions have you taken against hazing in the past 5 years?
- How do you educate students about hazing risks?
- What support services do you provide for hazing victims?
⏳ Greene County Families: Time Is Running Out
Ohio Statute of Limitations for Hazing Cases
- Personal Injury: 2 years from date of injury
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from date of death
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Memories fade. Your rights expire.
Contact Attorney 911 today. The clock is ticking.
🔚 Final Message to Greene County
Greene County parents: Your children are precious. They are smart, talented, and full of potential. They deserve to go to college and come home safe.
They do not deserve to be waterboarded.
They do not deserve to be beaten with paddles.
They do not deserve to be hospitalized with kidney failure.
They do not deserve to die.
If your child has been hazed near Greene County, we can help. We are fighting this battle right now. We know how to win.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s hold them accountable. Let’s protect the next student. Let’s send a message that this ends now.
Attorney 911: Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Greene County and Nationwide
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | 📧 ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com
Greene County families: You are not alone. We are here to help.
