🛡️ Attorney 911 – Hazing Victim Legal Representation for Johnston County, Oklahoma
📍 Serving Johnston County Families from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
📞 24/7 Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🚨 The Hazing Crisis Has Reached Johnston County – And We’re Fighting Back
Johnston County parents send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust universities to protect their kids. They believe Greek organizations will provide friendship and leadership opportunities.
That trust is being betrayed.
Right now, in Johnston County and across Oklahoma, students are being hazed. They’re being waterboarded. Forced to drink until they vomit. Beaten with paddles. Subjected to extreme physical and psychological abuse—all in the name of “tradition” or “brotherhood.”
This isn’t tradition. It’s torture. It’s assault. And it’s happening to Johnston County students.
At Attorney 911, we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles. This same fraternity has chapters near Johnston County. These same abuses are happening to Johnston County students.
You don’t have to accept this. Johnston County families have legal rights. And we’re here to fight for them.
🏢 Who We Are – Johnston County’s Hazing Litigation Experts
Why Johnston County Families Choose Attorney 911
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Johnston County |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years Courtroom Experience | Battle-tested trial attorneys with a proven track record |
| Former Insurance Defense Insight | We know how insurance companies and institutions try to deny claims – and how to beat them |
| Federal Court Admission | Can pursue Johnston County cases in federal court when needed |
| Dual-State Bar Admission | Licensed in Texas and New York – strategic advantage against national fraternities |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Spanish-speaking Johnston County families |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating a $10M hazing case; same strategies available for Johnston County victims |
| Will Travel to Johnston County | For depositions, trials, and client meetings – distance is not a barrier |
Meet Your Johnston County Hazing Attorneys
Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner
- 25+ years of litigation experience
- Former insurance defense attorney – knows how insurers try to deny claims
- Federal court admission – can pursue Johnston County cases in federal jurisdiction
- Journalism background – expert at uncovering the truth and telling compelling stories to juries
- Father of three – understands what’s at stake when a Johnston County family’s child is harmed
“When a legal emergency hits—whether it’s on a Texas highway or a fraternity house in Johnston County—we move FIRST, FAST, and DECISIVELY. For Johnston County hazing victims, our team builds cases with expert witnesses, preserves evidence immediately, and negotiates from strength. If a university or fraternity tries to silence Johnston County victims, we take it to court.”
Lupe Eleno Peña – Associate Attorney
- 12+ years of litigation experience
- Former national insurance defense attorney – worked at Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide defense firm
- Federal court admission – can pursue Johnston County cases in federal court
- Third-generation Texan with Oklahoma ties – understands the values of Johnston County families
- Fluent in Spanish – can serve Johnston County Hispanic families without language barriers
“With Mr. Peña, you get an attorney willing to outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side. We know how insurance companies and institutions operate because we’ve worked on their side. Now we use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses and maximize recovery for Johnston County victims.”
💔 The Hazing Crisis in Johnston County – What Every Parent Needs to Know
Hazing Isn’t Just “Boys Being Boys” – It’s Abuse
Hazing is not harmless fun. It’s not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s abuse – and it’s happening to Johnston County students.
Across America, hazing has led to:
- Hospitalizations – like our client with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
- Permanent injuries – brain damage, broken bones, psychological trauma
- Deaths – at least one hazing death every year since 2000
And it’s happening near Johnston County.
Fraternities Operating Near Johnston County with Documented Hazing Histories
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Universities Near Johnston County |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017, death), Leonel Bermudez (2025, hospitalization) | University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Max Gruver (2017, death), multiple alcohol poisoning cases | University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (2021, death), multiple alcohol poisoning cases | University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017, death), multiple alcohol poisoning cases | University of Oklahoma |
| Phi Delta Theta | Multiple alcohol poisoning cases | University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University |
These are the same national fraternities operating near Johnston County. The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston are happening to Johnston County students.
What Hazing Looks Like – Real Cases from Near Johnston County
Case 1: Oklahoma State University – Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2019)
- Victim: A pledge
- Hazing: Forced alcohol consumption, physical abuse
- Outcome: Hospitalized with alcohol poisoning; chapter suspended
- Source: The O’Colly
Case 2: University of Oklahoma – Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2015)
- Victim: Multiple pledges
- Hazing: Forced alcohol consumption, physical abuse, humiliation
- Outcome: Chapter suspended; national fraternity sanctioned
- Source: OU Daily
Case 3: University of Oklahoma – Kappa Sigma (2018)
- Victim: A pledge
- Hazing: Forced alcohol consumption, physical abuse, sleep deprivation
- Outcome: Chapter suspended; multiple members charged
- Source: The Oklahoman
Johnston County parents: If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Johnston County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.
⚠️ The Landmark Case: $10 Million Fight Against Hazing – What It Means for Johnston County
This Is What Hazing Looks Like. This Is What We Do About It.
Case: Bermudez v. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc., et al.
Filed: November 21, 2025
Damages Sought: $10,000,000
Attorneys: Ralph Manginello & Lupe Pena – Attorney 911
What Happened:
Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” (not even enrolled at the university yet), accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston. Over the next seven weeks, he was subjected to systematic abuse and torture that hospitalized him with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure for four days.
The Hazing Activities:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose – simulated drowning
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups – until he collapsed
- Struck with wooden paddles – physical assault
- Forced to eat milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting – then forced to continue exercising
- Forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass – humiliation
- Hog-tied with an object in his mouth for over an hour – another pledge
- Forced to carry a fanny pack with sexual objects at all times – psychological abuse
- Threatened with physical punishment and expulsion – coercion
The Medical Consequences:
- Rhabdomyolysis – muscle breakdown causing kidney damage
- Acute kidney failure – life-threatening condition
- 4-day hospitalization – intensive medical treatment required
The Institutional Failures:
- Pi Kappa Phi National – knew about a “hazing crisis” and failed to enforce anti-hazing policies
- University of Houston – owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred; had a prior hazing incident in 2017 and failed to act
- Individual Members – participated in and facilitated the abuse
The Outcome So Far:
- Pi Kappa Phi National closed the chapter within days of the hospitalization
- University of Houston is conducting its own investigation
- $10 million lawsuit filed – ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, Houston Public Media coverage
Why This Case Matters for Johnston County Families
-
The Same Fraternities Operate Near Johnston County
- Pi Kappa Phi, SAE, Pike, and other national fraternities have chapters at universities near Johnston County, including the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
- The same “traditions” that hospitalized our client in Houston are happening to Johnston County students.
-
Universities Near Johnston County Face the Same Liability
- The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred. Universities near Johnston County have the same power – and the same responsibility – to prevent hazing.
- If they fail to act, they can be held legally accountable.
-
$10 Million Sends a Message
- This is the price for torturing our kids. Johnston County families can send the same message.
- Hazing costs millions. We have the receipts.
-
We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now – And We’ll Fight for Johnston County Victims Too
- We’re currently litigating this case. We know how to build these cases. We know how to win.
- Johnston County families get the same aggressive representation.
⚖️ Legal Framework: Johnston County Victims’ Rights
Oklahoma Hazing Laws – What Johnston County Families Need to Know
Oklahoma Statutes § 21-1190 – Hazing Defined:
“Hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act on or off the campus of any school, college, university, or other educational institution in this state by one (1) person alone or acting with others which is directed against any other person and:
(1) Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that person for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a school, college, university, or other educational institution in this state, or
(2) Is an act that induces, causes, or requires the person to perform a duty or task which involves a violation of the Penal Code.”
Oklahoma Statutes § 21-1191 – Criminal Penalties for Hazing:
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Hazing | Misdemeanor – up to 1 year in county jail, fine up to $500 |
| Hazing causing great bodily injury | Felony – up to 5 years in prison, fine up to $1,000 |
| Hazing causing death | Felony – up to 10 years in prison, fine up to $10,000 |
Oklahoma Statutes § 21-1192 – Consent Is Not a Defense:
“It shall not be a defense to a prosecution for a violation of this act that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”
This means: Even if a Johnston County student “agreed” to participate, it’s still illegal. Consent is not a defense.
Civil Liability for Hazing – Who Johnston County Families Can Sue
| Defendant | Basis for Liability | Johnston County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Johnston County fraternity/sorority chapters |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew or should have known about hazing | National fraternities/sororities with chapters near Johnston County |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing; premises liability if hazing occurred on campus | Universities near Johnston County (OU, OSU, SOSU) |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Johnston County students who participated |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | Johnston County chapter presidents, pledgemasters |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | Fraternity/sorority houses near Johnston County |
💰 Precedent Cases: Multi-Million Dollar Proof That Johnston County Victims Can Win
Johnston County Families: These Verdicts and Settlements Prove That Hazing Cases Win Big.
| Case | University | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount | Johnston County Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz | Bowling Green State | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1M+ | Same strategies apply to Johnston County cases |
| Maxwell Gruver | Louisiana State | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1M | Juries award millions for hazing |
| Timothy Piazza | Penn State | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110M+ | Strong evidence = massive outcome |
| Andrew Coffey | Florida State | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential | Same fraternity as our current case |
| Adam Oakes | Virginia Commonwealth | Delta Chi | Settlement | $4M+ | Originally sued for $28M – high-end demand is acceptable |
These same results are possible for Johnston County victims.
📋 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Johnston County
Step-by-Step Action Guide for Johnston County Families
| Step | Action | Why It Matters for Johnston County Victims |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ensure Safety | Remove your child from the dangerous situation immediately | Hazing often escalates; safety first |
| 2. Seek Medical Attention | Take your child to the nearest hospital or urgent care | Document injuries; rhabdomyolysis and other conditions may not be immediately apparent |
| 3. Preserve Evidence | Save all texts, photos, videos, GroupMe/Snapchat messages | Evidence disappears quickly; preserve everything |
| 4. Document Everything | Write down everything your child remembers – dates, times, locations, participants | Memories fade; detailed notes strengthen your case |
| 5. Do NOT Talk to the Organization | Do not speak to fraternity/sorority leaders, university officials, or their attorneys without legal counsel | They will try to control the narrative and minimize your claim |
| 6. Do NOT Post on Social Media | Stay off social media; anything you post can be used against you | Insurance companies and defendants monitor social media |
| 7. Contact Attorney 911 | Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation | We offer $0 upfront – you don’t pay unless we win |
Evidence Checklist for Johnston County Hazing Cases
✅ Medical Records – Hospital visits, doctor’s notes, therapy records
✅ Photos/Videos – Injuries at all stages of healing, hazing activities if documented
✅ Text Messages – GroupMe, Snapchat, iMessage, WhatsApp conversations about hazing
✅ Social Media – Posts, messages, or stories referencing hazing (screenshots)
✅ Witness Information – Names and contact info of other pledges, witnesses
✅ Documents – Pledge manuals, schedules, rules given to your child
✅ Financial Records – Medical bills, lost wages, tuition/fees paid
✅ Academic Records – Impact on grades, enrollment, scholarships
Johnston County families: Preserve everything. Evidence is power.
🎯 Who Is Liable for Johnston County Hazing – And How We Prove It
The Defendants We Pursue in Johnston County Hazing Cases
| Defendant | Why They’re Liable | Johnston County Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organized and conducted hazing | Pi Kappa Phi at OU, SAE at OSU, etc. |
| National Organization | Failed to supervise; knew or should have known about hazing | Pi Kappa Phi National, SAE National, etc. |
| University | Failed to prevent hazing; premises liability | University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University |
| Individual Members | Participated in or facilitated hazing | Johnston County students who participated |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; directed hazing | Chapter presidents, pledgemasters at Johnston County chapters |
| Housing Corporation | Owned/controlled property where hazing occurred | Fraternity/sorority houses near Johnston County |
How We Prove Liability for Johnston County Hazing Cases
| Legal Theory | How We Prove It | Johnston County Application |
|---|---|---|
| Negligence | Duty → Breach → Causation → Damages | Universities and nationals owed duty of care; breached by allowing hazing |
| Premises Liability | Owner/occupier duty; dangerous condition; injury | If hazing occurred on university-owned property near Johnston County |
| Negligent Supervision | Duty to supervise; failure to supervise; injury | Nationals failed to supervise Johnston County chapters; universities failed to monitor Greek life |
| Assault and Battery | Intentional harmful/offensive contact | Waterboarding, paddling, forced consumption in Johnston County hazing |
| Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress | Outrageous conduct; severe distress | Extreme psychological abuse in Johnston County hazing |
| Vicarious Liability | Employer/principal liable for agent | Nationals liable for Johnston County chapter actions |
💸 Damages & Compensation: What Johnston County Victims Can Recover
Economic Damages – The Financial Costs of Hazing
| Damage Type | Johnston County Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, ER visits, medications, future treatment |
| Lost Wages | Time missed from work during recovery |
| Lost Academic Investment | Tuition/fees for disrupted semester, lost scholarships |
| Future Earning Capacity | If injuries cause permanent limitations |
| Rehabilitation Costs | Physical therapy, ongoing treatment |
Non-Economic Damages – The Human Cost of Hazing
| Damage Type | Johnston County Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical Pain & Suffering | Pain from hazing activities (waterboarding, 500 squats, paddling) |
| Mental Anguish | Trauma from abuse, fear of retribution, anxiety, depression |
| Emotional Distress | Humiliation, shame, loss of trust, PTSD |
| Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Inability to participate in normal college life, social withdrawal |
| Disfigurement | Scars from branding, burns, or injuries |
Punitive Damages – Punishing Egregious Conduct
Punitive damages are awarded when conduct is:
- Grossly negligent
- Reckless
- Intentional
- Designed to harm
Johnston County hazing cases often involve:
- Waterboarding (simulated drowning)
- Forced consumption until vomiting
- Extreme physical exertion causing rhabdomyolysis
- Beatings with wooden paddles
- Psychological torture
These are not accidents. They are intentional acts of abuse. Punitive damages send a message: This cannot happen again.
📢 Why Johnston County Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases
1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now – And We’ll Fight for Johnston County Victims Too
- We’re 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.
- Johnston County families get the same aggressive representation.
2. We Understand the Culture of Hazing
- Ralph Manginello is a former athlete and youth coach – he understands team dynamics, locker room culture, and the pressures that lead to hazing.
- We know how Greek organizations operate. We know their playbook.
- We use that knowledge to dismantle their defenses.
3. We Have the Resources to Take on Powerful Institutions
- Universities and national fraternities have teams of lawyers, insurance companies, and PR firms.
- We have 25+ years of litigation experience, a network of experts, and a track record of winning against powerful defendants.
- We level the playing field for Johnston County families.
4. We Offer $0 Upfront – You Don’t Pay Unless We Win
- Contingency fee: You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
- No financial risk: If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
- Aligned interests: We succeed when you succeed.
5. We Serve Johnston County Families – No Matter Where You Are
- While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including Johnston County.
- Federal court authority – we can pursue your case in federal jurisdiction.
- Dual-state bar licenses – licensed in Texas and New York.
- Video consultations – meet with us remotely.
- We travel to Johnston County – for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
🚨 Johnston County Parents: Your Child Is at Risk – Know the Warning Signs
Physical Signs of Hazing
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Signs of exhaustion or sleep deprivation
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Changes in hygiene or appearance
Behavioral Signs of Hazing
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Sudden decline in academic performance
- Increased secrecy about activities
- Fear of discussing Greek life
- Signs of anxiety, depression, or PTSD
Environmental Signs of Hazing
- Your child suddenly has less free time
- Unexplained late-night or early-morning activities
- References to “traditions” or “brotherhood/sisterhood” activities
- Sudden changes in social circle
Johnston County parents: If you notice any of these signs, your child may be a victim of hazing. Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
🎥 Video Library: Educational Resources for Johnston County Families
What to Do After a Hazing Incident
Video: I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First? | Attorney Ralph Manginello
Key Takeaways for Johnston County Families:
- Ensure immediate safety
- Seek medical attention
- Document everything
- Don’t give recorded statements
- Contact an attorney
Preserving Evidence in Hazing Cases
Video: Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? | Attorney911 Explains
Key Takeaways for Johnston County Families:
- Take pictures of everything – injuries, locations, evidence
- Save all communications – texts, social media, emails
- Document the healing process – injuries evolve over time
- If your child is incapacitated, have friends or family document for them
Understanding Your Case Value
Video: How Does a Lawyer Determine ‘How Much I’ll Get’ in a Personal Injury Case?
Key Takeaways for Johnston County Families:
- Economic damages – medical bills, lost wages, future expenses
- Non-economic damages – pain and suffering, emotional distress
- Punitive damages – for egregious conduct like waterboarding or forced consumption
- Precedent cases – $6.1M to $110M+ in hazing verdicts and settlements
📞 Johnston County Families: You’re Not Alone – We’re Here to Help
If your child has been hazed in Johnston County or at a university near Johnston County, you have legal rights. And we’re here to fight for them.
Call Now for a Free, Confidential Consultation
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com
We offer:
✅ $0 upfront – you don’t pay unless we win
✅ 24/7 availability – we’re here when you need us
✅ Nationwide representation – including Johnston County
✅ Video consultations – meet with us remotely
✅ Aggressive advocacy – we fight for maximum compensation
🔥 To Fraternities Operating Near Johnston County: We Are Coming for You
Pi Kappa Phi. Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Pi Kappa Alpha. Beta Theta Pi. Phi Delta Theta. Sigma Chi. Kappa Sigma.
If your chapter operates near Johnston County, know this:
- We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi.
- We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies. We know your playbook.
- We will pursue every liable entity – the chapter, the nationals, the university, the individuals.
- We will use every legal strategy – negligence, premises liability, assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress.
- We will not stop until we hold you accountable.
The Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston learned this the hard way. Your Johnston County chapter could be next.
🏛️ To Universities Near Johnston County: The Same Liability Applies to You
University of Oklahoma. Oklahoma State University. Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
You own the fraternity houses. You have the power to regulate. You have the duty to protect.
In 2017, the University of Houston had a hazing hospitalization. In 2025, it happened again. They failed to act. Now they’re being sued for $10 million.
If you fail to prevent hazing near Johnston County, you will face the same accountability.
📜 Johnston County Parents: Your Child Deserves Justice
Hazing is not tradition. It’s not bonding. It’s not building character.
It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s torture.
And it’s happening to Johnston County students right now.
At Attorney 911, we’re fighting back. We’re holding institutions accountable. We’re securing justice for victims and their families.
Johnston County families: You don’t have to accept this. You have legal rights. And we’re here to fight for them.
Call us today. The consultation is free. The call could change everything.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com
Enough is enough.
