Hazing in Hardin County: A Guide for Kountze Parents & Families Seeking Justice

Understanding the Reality Behind Campus Hazing and Your Legal Rights

When your child leaves home for college in Texas—whether heading to the University of Houston, Texas A&M, or another campus hours from Kountze—you trust that campus life will provide growth, friendship, and safety. But for some Hardin County families, that trust is shattered by a heartbreaking phone call, a sudden trip to the emergency room, or the gradual realization that their child is being systematically abused under the guise of “tradition” or “brotherhood.”

Right now, just a few hours from Kountze in Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring months of physical and psychological torture at the hands of the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to media reports, Bermudez was forced through extreme workouts, humiliated with mandatory “pledge fanny packs,” sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and coerced into consuming dangerous quantities of food until vomiting. His urine turned brown, he required four days of hospitalization, and he faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological harm remains.

This isn’t an isolated incident in some distant state. This is happening here in Texas, at universities where Kountze students pursue their education. This comprehensive guide exists to educate families across Hardin County—from Kountze to Silsbee to Lumberton—about the harsh realities of modern hazing, your legal rights under Texas law, and the specific risks at major Texas universities where our children study.

If This Just Happened: Immediate Steps for Kountze Families

IMMEDIATE CRISIS RESPONSE:

If your child is in physical danger RIGHT NOW: Call 911 or campus police immediately
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for immediate legal guidance
Get medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, hospital documentation is critical

FIRST 48 HOURS – EVIDENCE PRESERVATION:

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING: Preserve all text messages, GroupMe chats, social media posts
Photograph injuries from multiple angles with good lighting
Write down everything your child tells you (dates, times, locations, names)
Save physical evidence (clothing, paddles, receipts, any objects used)
Contact an experienced hazing attorney before talking to university officials or insurance representatives

WHAT NOT TO DO:

Don’t confront the fraternity/sorority directly (they’ll destroy evidence)
Don’t let your child delete digital evidence out of embarrassment
Don’t sign anything from the university or insurance companies
Don’t discuss details on public social media
Don’t wait “to see how the university handles it”

Hazing in 2025: What Kountze Families Need to Recognize

Many parents in Kountze remember hazing as “pranks” or “initiation rituals,” but modern hazing has evolved into systematic abuse that endangers lives. Under Texas law, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of joining or maintaining membership in any organization.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

TIER 1: SUBTLE HAZING (Often Dismissed as “Harmless”)

Required servitude (cleaning houses, running errands at all hours)
“Pledge fanny packs” with humiliating contents (as in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case)
Social isolation from non-members
Mandatory attendance that interferes with academics
Constant group chat monitoring with instant response demands

TIER 2: HARASSMENT HAZING (Causes Clear Harm)

Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” or early wake-up calls
Forced consumption of unpalatable substances (milk, hot sauce, raw eggs)
Extreme calisthenics beyond safe limits (“smokings” with hundreds of push-ups)
Public humiliation and verbal abuse
Being sprayed with hoses or exposed to extreme temperatures

TIER 3: VIOLENT HAZING (Life-Threatening)

Forced alcohol consumption (chugging, funneling, drinking games)
Physical beatings with paddles or other objects
Dangerous physical “tests” (blindfolded tackles, extreme endurance challenges)
Sexualized hazing and coercion
Chemical exposure causing burns (as seen in Texas A&M cases)

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities receive most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
Corps of Cadets and military-style organizations
Athletic teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit and tradition groups (Texas Cowboys, Aggie Bonfire legacy groups)
Marching bands and performance groups
Some academic and service organizations

Texas Hazing Law: What Hardin County Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37 (The Hazing Statute)

Texas has specific laws governing hazing that apply whether incidents occur in Houston, College Station, or anywhere our Kountze students attend school:

§ 37.151 – Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership that endangers mental or physical health or safety.

§ 37.152 – Criminal Penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

§ 37.155 – Critical Protection: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law recognizes that power imbalance and coercion invalidate true consent.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

CRIMINAL CASES:

Brought by the State of Texas (prosecutors)
Purpose: Punishment (jail time, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: In the Max Gruver case at LSU, fraternity members faced negligent homicide charges

CIVIL CASES:

Brought by victims and families
Purpose: Compensation and accountability
Legal theories: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Example: The Stone Foltz family secured a $10 million settlement from Pi Kappa Alpha national and Bowling Green State University

Important: These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required to pursue civil justice. In fact, many families find civil litigation provides more complete accountability and compensation.

Federal Laws That Apply to Texas Hazing Cases

STOP CAMPUS HAZING ACT (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
Mandates hazing education and prevention programs
Creates national transparency by 2026

TITLE IX:

Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination
Requires universities to investigate and address hostile environments
Can provide additional legal pathways for accountability

CLERY ACT:

Requires universities to disclose campus crime statistics
Hazing incidents involving crimes like assault must be reported
Provides another layer of institutional accountability

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Affect Kountze Students

The same national fraternities and sororities that operate at Texas universities have patterns of hazing incidents nationwide. Understanding these patterns helps Kountze families recognize that what happened to their child wasn’t an “isolated incident” but part of a systemic problem.

Alcohol Poisoning Fatalities: The Most Common Pattern

STONE FOLTZ – BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY (2021)

Fraternity: Pi Kappa Alpha
Incident: Pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Outcome: Death from alcohol poisoning; $10 million settlement ($7M from national, $3M from university)
Texas Connection: Pi Kappa Alpha operates chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, Baylor, and SMU

MAX GRUVER – LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (2017)

Fraternity: Phi Delta Theta
Incident: “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking
Outcome: Death with BAC of 0.495%; Louisiana passed “Max Gruver Act” making hazing a felony
Texas Connection: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at all five major Texas universities

ANDREW COFFEY – FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY (2017)

Fraternity: Pi Kappa Phi
Incident: “Big Brother Night” with handle-of-liquor consumption
Outcome: Alcohol poisoning death; FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily
Texas Connection: Pi Kappa Phi includes the chapter currently sued in our UH case

Physical Hazing with Lasting Injuries

DANNY SANTULLI – UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI (2021)

Fraternity: Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI)
Incident: Pledge forced to drink lethal amounts during “pledge dad reveal”
Outcome: Permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see); 24/7 care required; settlements with 22 defendants
Texas Connection: FIJI operates at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other Texas schools

TEXAS A&M SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON CASE (2021)

Fraternity: Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Incident: Pledges covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing chemical burns
Outcome: Emergency skin graft surgeries; $1 million lawsuit; chapter suspension
Local Impact: This happened at our flagship Texas A&M campus

What These National Cases Mean for Kountze Families

Pattern Recognition: The same dangerous traditions repeat across campuses
Foreseeability: National organizations know these risks exist
Legal Precedent: Successful lawsuits in other states strengthen Texas cases
Prevention Roadmap: We know what interventions work (and what doesn’t)

Texas Universities: Where Kountze Students Face Hazing Risks

University of Houston: The Current Frontier in Texas Hazing Litigation

FOR KOUNTZE FAMILIES: UH is approximately 90 minutes from Hardin County, making it a common choice for Southeast Texas students seeking urban education opportunities while remaining relatively close to home.

CURRENT ACTIVE CASE – LEONEL BERMUDEZ V. UH & PI KAPPA PHI:
We’re currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against:

University of Houston
UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders

DOCUMENTED HAZING CONDUCT:

“Pledge fanny pack” rule with condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
Extreme physical abuse: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
Waterboarding simulation: sprayed in face with hose while threatened with actual waterboarding
Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
Medical catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization

UH’S RESPONSE:

November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
November 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter
UH statement: Conduct “deeply disturbing,” cooperation with law enforcement promised

HOW KOUNTZE FAMILIES CAN PROTECT UH STUDENTS:

Ask specific questions about “pledge education” activities
Monitor for sudden physical exhaustion or unexplained injuries
Know that hazing occurs at both on-campus houses and off-campus locations (Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park in the UH case)
Report concerns to UH Dean of Students Office immediately

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Intersection

FOR KOUNTZE FAMILIES: Texas A&M in College Station represents the “big university” experience many Hardin County students seek, with strong traditional roots and extensive Greek life.

DOCUMENTED HAZING CASES:

SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON CHEMICAL BURNS CASE (2021)

Two pledges suffered severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts
Substances included industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit
$1 million lawsuit filed; chapter suspended
Pattern Connection: SAE has multiple hazing deaths nationwide

CORPS OF CADETS “ROASTED PIG” CASE (2023)

Cadet alleged being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
Simulated sexual acts and degradation reported

Lawsuit sought over $1 million; A&M stated handled internally

Texas-Specific Risk: Corps traditions sometimes cross into hazing

AGGIE BONFIRE LEGACY:

1999 collapse killed 12, injured 27
While not traditional hazing, highlights risks of tradition-heavy, student-run activities
$6+ million in settlements with university officials

TEXAS A&M’S TRANSPARENCY CHALLENGE:
Unlike UT Austin, Texas A&M doesn’t maintain a public hazing violations log, making it harder for Kountze parents to research organization histories before their children join.

University of Texas at Austin: Public Records Advantage

FOR KOUNTZE FAMILIES: UT Austin represents academic excellence for top Hardin County students, but its Greek life carries documented hazing risks.

UT’S PUBLIC HAZING VIOLATIONS LOG:
UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent systems at hazing.utexas.edu, documenting:

Organization names
Incident dates
Descriptions of conduct
Sanctions imposed

RECENT DOCUMENTED CASES:

PI KAPPA ALPHA (2023)

New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Sanction: Probation, mandatory hazing prevention education
National Pattern Connection: Pi Kappa Alpha responsible for Stone Foltz death

TEXAS WRANGLERS (SPIRIT ORGANIZATION)

Multiple sanctions for hazing violations
Pattern of forced physical activities and alcohol-related misconduct
Important: Hazing extends beyond traditional Greek life

SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON – UT CHAPTER

Under suspension for hazing/safety violations as of January 2024
Australian exchange student alleged assault causing dislocated leg, broken nose, fractured tibia
Pattern Continuation: Same national organization as Texas A&M chemical burns case

HOW KOUNTZE PARENTS CAN USE UT’S TRANSPARENCY:

Check hazing.utexas.edu before your child joins any organization
Look for patterns – organizations with multiple violations pose higher risks
Understand that sanctions often involve probation, not permanent removal

Southern Methodist University: Private University Challenges

FOR KOUNTZE FAMILIES: SMU in Dallas represents private university excellence, but its affluent Greek culture carries specific hazing risks.

DOCUMENTED CASES:

KAPPA ALPHA ORDER (2017)

New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep
Chapter suspended until approximately 2021
Pattern Connection: Kappa Alpha Order has multiple hazing incidents nationwide

SMU’S REPORTING SYSTEMS:

Anonymous reporting via Real Response system
Traditional conduct office channels
Challenge: As a private university, SMU has less public transparency than public institutions

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Hazing Realities

FOR KOUNTZE FAMILIES: Baylor’s religious identity in Waco attracts many East Texas families, but hazing occurs within its campus organizations too.

DOCUMENTED INCIDENTS:

BAYLOR BASEBALL HAZING (2020)

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Staggered suspensions throughout early season
Pattern: Athletic team hazing often involves physical endurance tests and humiliation

BAYLOR’S CULTURAL CONTEXT:

Recent history of Title IX and sexual assault scandal scrutiny
Religious branding creating potential conflicts when reporting misconduct
Greek life operates within Christian identity framework

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Mapping Greek Organizations That Impact Kountze Families

At Attorney911, we maintain a comprehensive data engine tracking Greek organizations across Texas. This proprietary investigative tool helps us identify all potentially liable entities in hazing cases—critical knowledge for Hardin County families seeking accountability.

Texas Greek Organization Landscape

STATEWIDE SCOALE:

1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metropolitan areas
188 organizations in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro alone
510 organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro
154 organizations in the Austin-Round Rock metro

HOUSTON METRO GREEK ENTITIES (RELEVANT FOR KOUNTZE FAMILIES):
Based on our analysis of IRS B83 filings and Cause IQ data, here are examples of Greek organizations operating in the Houston region that may impact Kountze students:

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (Houston, TX – Alumni/house corporation)
Alpha Phi Omega – Bayou City Alumni (Houston, TX)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae (Houston, TX – Graduate chapter)
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega (Houston, TX – Graduate chapter)
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity – Eta Rho Sigma (Houston, TX – Graduate chapter)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter (Houston, TX – Undergraduate chapter)
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – Theta Chi Chapter (Houston, TX – Graduate chapter)

IRS-REGISTERED GREEK ORGANIZATIONS WITH TEXAS PRESENCE:
Our analysis of IRS B83 filings reveals 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations, including:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (College Station, TX 77845-6681)
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (Frisco, TX 75035-6629)
Sigma Phi Epsilon New York Chi Alumni Association Inc (Houston, TX 77007-2415)
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (Houston, TX 77204-7005 – Theta Delta chapter)
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (Houston, TX 77204-3067)
University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi (Active litigation defendant in Bermudez case)

Why This Data Matters for Kountze Families

Identifying All Potentially Liable Parties: Hazing cases often involve multiple entities beyond the local chapter
Insurance Coverage Tracking: Different organizations carry different insurance policies
Pattern Evidence: National brands with multiple Texas chapters may have documented hazing histories
Investigative Advantage: We start with comprehensive data, not from scratch

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

DIGITAL EVIDENCE (MOST IMPORTANT CATEGORY):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “disappearing” messages
Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends sharing, Snapchat maps

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL EVIDENCE:

Medical records: ER reports, hospitalization records, lab results (like the critically high creatine kinase levels in the UH case)
Photographic evidence: Injuries, locations, objects used in hazing
Physical objects: Paddles, “pledge fanny packs,” alcohol containers

INSTITUTIONAL RECORDS:

University conduct files (prior violations, probation records)
National fraternity risk management files
Insurance policies and coverage documents
Internal emails and communications

Damages: What Kountze Families Can Recover

ECONOMIC DAMAGES (Quantifiable Financial Losses):

Medical expenses: ER care, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment
Future medical needs: Physical therapy, psychological counseling, long-term care
Lost educational opportunity: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished earning capacity: For permanent injuries affecting future work ability

NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES (Subjective But Real Harm):

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in college experiences
Reputational harm: Social stigma and public exposure

WRONGFUL DEATH DAMAGES (For Families):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support and companionship
Emotional suffering of surviving family members
Parents’ and siblings’ mental health treatment

PUNITIVE DAMAGES (When Appropriate):

Designed to punish particularly reckless or malicious conduct
Available when defendants show conscious indifference to known risks
Capped in Texas but can significantly increase case value

Realistic Timeline and Process

TYPICAL HAZING CASE PROGRESSION:

Immediate Crisis (Days 1-7): Medical care, evidence preservation, initial reporting
Investigation Phase (Months 1-6): Gathering records, witness interviews, expert consultations
Pre-litigation (Months 3-12): Demand letters, negotiations, mediation attempts
Litigation (Months 12-36+): Filing lawsuit, discovery process, depositions
Resolution (Varies): Settlement negotiations or trial

SETTLEMENT VS. TRIAL:

Most cases settle (confidential terms common)
Trials are rare but necessary when institutions refuse accountability
Settlement amounts vary widely based on injury severity, evidence strength, and defendant resources

Practical Guide for Kountze Parents: From Suspicion to Action

Warning Signs Your Kountze Student May Be Being Hazed

PHYSICAL RED FLAGS:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation beyond normal college stress
Sudden weight changes (from food restriction or stress)
Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance use (even if not typical for your child)

BEHAVIORAL CHANGES:

New secrecy about organizational activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family and non-member friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability, fearfulness
Constant phone checking for group chat demands
Talking about “just getting through” initiation or “earning” membership

ACADEMIC AND FINANCIAL SIGNS:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep during instruction
Unexplained expenses (forced purchases, excessive dues, “fines”)
Requesting money without clear explanation

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing Concerns

APPROACH STRATEGIES:

Choose neutral time: Not when they’re rushing to an event
Use open questions: “How are things with your new members process?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Listen without judgment: If they open up, don’t react with anger toward them
Emphasize safety: “My main concern is your health and wellbeing”
Share information: “I read about Texas hazing laws and want to make sure you know your rights”

IF YOUR CHILD RESISTS:

Don’t force confrontation
Increase monitoring of signs
Contact university resources anonymously
Consider professional intervention if safety concerns escalate

Immediate Action Steps if Hazing is Confirmed

MEDICAL PRIORITY:

Seek emergency care for any physical injuries or intoxication
Request documentation specifically mentioning “hazing” in medical records
Follow up with specialists for ongoing concerns

EVIDENCE PRESERVATION:

Screenshot ALL digital communications immediately
Photograph injuries from multiple angles
Save physical evidence (don’t wash clothing, return items)
Write detailed notes of what your child describes

UNIVERSITY REPORTING (WITH CAUTION):

Know that universities often prioritize institutional protection
Document all communications with administrators
Consider consulting an attorney before detailed reporting
Use anonymous reporting options if concerned about retaliation

LEGAL CONSULTATION:

Contact experienced hazing attorneys within 48 hours
Evidence disappears quickly (deleted messages, coached witnesses)
Universities and organizations move fast to control narratives
Early legal guidance protects your child’s rights and options

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Kountze Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: DELETING DIGITAL EVIDENCE

What families think: “We don’t want this embarrassing stuff saved”
Reality: Deleted evidence looks like cover-up, destroys case viability
Better approach: Preserve everything, even uncomfortable content

MISTAKE #2: CONFRONTING THE ORGANIZATION DIRECTLY

What families want: Immediate accountability and answers
Reality: Organizations lawyer up, destroy evidence, prepare defenses
Better approach: Document quietly, let your attorney control communications

MISTAKE #3: SIGNING UNIVERSITY “RESOLUTION” AGREEMENTS

What universities offer: Quick resolution, often with minimal compensation
Reality: These agreements often waive future legal rights
Better approach: Never sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: PUBLIC SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

What families feel: Need to warn others or seek support
Reality: Defense attorneys monitor everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better approach: Private documentation, let legal team manage public messaging

MISTAKE #5: WAITING FOR UNIVERSITY INVESTIGATIONS

What universities promise: “We’re handling this internally”
Reality: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run
Better approach: Parallel investigation with legal team while university process continues

Frequently Asked Questions from Kountze Families

Q: CAN WE SUE A TEXAS UNIVERSITY FOR HAZING?
A: Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity protections but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and certain other claims. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity barriers. Every case requires specific analysis—call 1-888-ATTY-911 for case evaluation.

Q: IS HAZING A FELONY IN TEXAS?
A: It can be. Texas Education Code §37.152 makes basic hazing a Class B misdemeanor, but it becomes a state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

Q: WHAT IF MY CHILD “AGREED” TO THE ACTIVITIES?
A: Consent is NOT a defense under Texas law (§37.155). Courts recognize that power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion invalidate true voluntary consent. This was established in cases like Max Gruver at LSU.

Q: HOW LONG DO WE HAVE TO FILE A LAWSUIT?
A: Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist for minors, delayed discovery of harm, or fraudulent concealment by defendants. Time is critical—evidence preservation deteriorates daily.

Q: WHAT IF THE HAZING HAPPENED OFF-CAMPUS?
A: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. The Pi Delta Psi case (Baruch College retreat) resulted in convictions despite being hours from campus.

Q: WILL OUR CASE BE PUBLIC?
A: Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize client privacy while pursuing accountability.

Q: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE A LAWYER?
A: We work on contingency—no fee unless we recover compensation. This makes justice accessible to Kountze families regardless of financial resources.

Why Attorney911 for Kountze Hazing Cases

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

ACTIVE TEXAS HAZING LITIGATION:
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million lawsuit alleging some of the most severe hazing conduct in recent Texas history. We’re not just talking about hazing law; we’re actively litigating it in Texas courts.

INSURANCE INSIDER ADVANTAGE:
Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
Deploy independent medical exams to minimize injuries

COMPLEX INSTITUTIONAL LITIGATION EXPERIENCE:
Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—facing billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. This same experience applies when taking on national fraternities and university systems.

TEXAS HAZING INTELLIGENCE ENGINE:
We maintain proprietary databases tracking:

1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
IRS-registered entities with EINs and addresses
University-specific chapter histories and violations
National pattern evidence from decades of cases

This means we don’t start investigations from scratch. When a Kountze family comes to us, we already know how to identify all potentially liable entities—local chapters, housing corporations, alumni associations, national headquarters, and insurance carriers.

How We Investigate Hazing Cases for Hardin County Families

DIGITAL FORENSICS CAPABILITY:

Recovering deleted group chats and messages
Preserving social media evidence before it disappears
Tracking organizational communication patterns
Identifying all participants and witnesses

EXPERT NETWORK:

Medical experts (rhabdomyolysis specialists, toxicologists, psychiatrists)
Digital forensics professionals
Greek life culture and policy experts
Economists for damage calculation
Life care planners for catastrophic injuries

INSTITUTIONAL INVESTIGATION:

Subpoenaing university conduct records
Obtaining national fraternity risk management files
Uncovering prior incident reports and warnings
Tracing insurance coverage across multiple entities

Our Philosophy: Accountability and Prevention

We believe every hazing case serves two purposes:

Compensating victims for very real harms
Preventing future tragedies by forcing institutional change

The UH Pi Kappa Phi case has already resulted in:

Chapter suspension and charter surrender
University policy scrutiny and public accountability
Media attention that warns other potential victims
Legal precedent that strengthens future cases

Call to Action for Kountze Families

If you’re reading this because you suspect your child is being hazed at a Texas university, you’re not alone. Families across Hardin County—from Kountze to Sour Lake to Village Mills—face these same fears when their children leave for college.

WE SERVE ALL OF TEXAS FROM OUR HOUSTON OFFICE:
While based in Houston, we represent families throughout Texas, including Hardin County and surrounding regions. Distance doesn’t prevent us from providing comprehensive legal representation for your hazing case.

YOUR FREE, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION INCLUDES:

Listening to your story without judgment or pressure
Reviewing any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, messages, medical records)
Explaining your legal options in plain Texas English
Answering all your questions about process, timeline, and realistic expectations
Providing clear next steps whether you hire us or not

NO OBLIGATION, NO PRESSURE:
We believe educated families make better decisions. Even if you don’t hire us immediately, understanding your rights helps you navigate university processes and protect your child.

SPANISH LANGUAGE SERVICES AVAILABLE:
Hablamos Español. Contact Mr. Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Contact Attorney911 Today

CALL: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
DIRECT: (713) 528-9070
CELL: (713) 443-4781
EMAIL: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
WEBSITE: https://attorney911.com

SERVING KOUNTZE AND ALL OF HARDIN COUNTY:
We understand the unique concerns of Southeast Texas families. Whether your child attends school in Houston, College Station, Austin, or beyond, Texas hazing law provides protections—and we know how to enforce them.

TIME IS CRITICAL:

Evidence disappears within days
Witness memories fade
Universities control narratives quickly
Statutes of limitations continue running

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call us today for the immediate help your family deserves.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

NEWS COVERAGE OF THE UH PI KAPPA PHI HAZING LAWSUIT:

Click2Houston report: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
ABC13 coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

ATTORNEY911 EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS:

Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

ATTORNEY911 WEBSITE:

Main site: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal defense: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
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