Hazing Litigation Guide for Newton, Texas Families: Understanding Your Rights After Fraternity, Sorority, or Campus Abuse

If Your Child Was Hazed in Texas, You’re Not Alone

A University of Houston student, Leonel Bermudez, accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter in the fall of 2025. What followed was not the brotherhood and leadership development he was promised. Instead, over weeks, he was subjected to a regime of humiliation and abuse: forced to carry a degrading “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and sex toys, chauffeured members at all hours, and subjected to extreme physical hazing. This included being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, and compelled to perform hundreds of push-ups and squats under threat of expulsion.

The result was catastrophic. Mr. Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis—a severe skeletal muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. In late 2025, Attorney911 filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on his behalf against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.

This is not an isolated incident from a distant state. This happened here in Texas, at our state’s third-largest university. If you are a parent in Newton, Newton County, or anywhere in East Texas, and your child has been hurt, humiliated, or endangered in connection with a fraternity, sorority, Corps of Cadets program, athletic team, or other campus organization, this guide is for you.

We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911—the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We represent hazing victims and their families across Texas. Right now, we are actively litigating the Leonel Bermudez case against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. This guide will explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, your legal rights under Texas law, what has happened at Texas campuses, and how families in our community can seek accountability when institutions fail to protect students.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Tactics

For Newton families, understanding hazing means looking beyond Hollywood stereotypes. Modern hazing has evolved into sophisticated, often digitally-enabled abuse designed to avoid detection while maintaining control over new members.

Alcohol and Substance Hazing remains the most deadly form. This includes “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given entire bottles of liquor, “Bible study” drinking games where wrong answers mean forced consumption, and “family tree” rituals involving rapid consumption. At the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi chapter, Leonel Bermudez was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then made to immediately sprint.

Physical Hazing includes more than just paddling. It encompasses extreme calisthenics designed to cause injury—like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats that led to Mr. Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis. It includes sleep deprivation through mandatory late-night meetings, food and water restriction, and exposure to extreme elements like the cold-weather workouts in underwear reported in the UH case.

Psychological and Digital Hazing represents the fastest-growing category. This includes 24/7 group chat monitoring where pledges must respond instantly to messages at all hours, social media humiliation through forced TikTok challenges or Instagram story dares, and geographic tracking via apps like Find My Friends. The psychological pressure—constant threats of expulsion, social isolation, and verbal abuse—can be as damaging as physical harm.

Sexualized Hazing includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, and degrading positions. In the UH case, another pledge was allegedly hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour while members prepared for a meeting.

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

Hazing is not limited to social fraternities. For Newton families whose children attend Texas universities, these are the primary risk areas:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural Greek Council)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC Programs (particularly at Texas A&M)
Athletic Teams (from football to swimming)
Spirit and Tradition Organizations (Texas Cowboys, cheer teams, marching bands)
Academic and Honor Societies
Cultural and Service Organizations

The common thread is any group that uses initiation, affiliation, or status advancement to justify dangerous, degrading, or coercive behavior.

Texas Hazing Law: What Newton Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code: Your Legal Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws in Chapter 37, Subchapter F of the Education Code. For families in Newton and across East Texas, understanding these statutes is crucial.

Definition (§37.151): Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student.

Key points for Newton parents:

Location doesn’t matter—hazing on or off campus is illegal
Mental OR physical harm qualifies
Reckless conduct is enough—they don’t need to have intended harm
“Consent is not a defense” (§37.155)—even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing

Criminal Penalties (§37.152):

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
Additional crimes: Failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters

Organizational Liability (§37.153): Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

For Newton families considering legal action, it’s important to understand two parallel paths:

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the State of Texas (prosecutor)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Charges can include: hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Outcome: Public record, but no financial compensation for your family

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or their families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Focus on: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability
Outcome: Financial recovery for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost future earnings

These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. In fact, many hazing civil cases proceed even when criminal charges aren’t filed.

Federal Laws That Apply in Texas

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention programs, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026).

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities must investigate and take appropriate action.

Clery Act: Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol/drug crimes that must be reported.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

In a Texas hazing lawsuit, multiple parties may share responsibility:

Individual Students: Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority or club itself as a legal entity
National Headquarters: Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Universities: Schools that knew or should have known about risks and failed to act
Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses or event venues
Alcohol Providers: Bars or individuals who furnished alcohol to minors

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Attorney911 sued 14 different entities and individuals, including the University of Houston System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Alcohol Poisoning: The Deadliest Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): A 20-year-old pledge was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning. The case resulted in a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU) and multiple criminal convictions.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Pledge died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%) after a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. Louisiana enacted the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony. His family received a $6.1 million verdict.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night.” Multiple members were prosecuted, and FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life.

Why this matters for Newton families: The same fraternities involved in these national deaths—Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi—have active chapters at Texas universities. The drinking “traditions” that killed students in Ohio, Louisiana, and Florida are the same scripts used in Texas.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Pledge was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a Pennsylvania retreat. He died from traumatic brain injuries. Pi Delta Psi was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): 18-year-old pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal” night. He suffered severe, permanent brain damage—cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care. His family settled with 22 defendants for multi-million dollar amounts.

Why this matters: Off-campus retreats and violent physical rituals occur in Texas too. The legal principle established—that national organizations can be criminally liable—applies equally here.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. Multiple lawsuits led to head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s firing and confidential settlements.

Why this matters for Texas: Our state’s major athletic programs—particularly at UT Austin and Texas A&M—have similar power dynamics and tradition-heavy cultures where hazing can flourish.

What These Cases Mean for Newton Families

These national precedents establish crucial legal principles:

Universities can be held accountable for failing to prevent known hazing risks
National fraternities face liability even when they claim local chapters were “rogue”
Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts are possible in serious injury and death cases
Pattern evidence matters—when the same organization has prior incidents elsewhere, it shows foreseeability

Texas University Focus: Where Newton Students Attend

Newton families send their children to universities across Texas. While Stephen F. Austin State University in nearby Nacogdoches is a common choice, many students also attend major universities hours from home. Understanding the hazing landscape at these schools is essential.

Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches)

For Newton families: Located just 45 miles from Newton in Nacogdoches, SFA is the closest four-year university to our community. Many Newton County students commute or live on campus there.

Greek Life at SFA: The university has an active Greek community with fraternities and sororities participating in formal recruitment. Organizations include chapters of national fraternities with documented hazing histories elsewhere.

Documented Incidents: While SFA maintains anti-hazing policies, the isolated campus environment and strong Greek tradition can create conditions where hazing occurs away from university oversight. Parents should be particularly vigilant about off-campus housing and “retreat” activities.

What Newton parents should know: The Nacogdoches police department and SFA campus police would have jurisdiction over incidents. Civil cases might be filed in Nacogdoches County courts. The proximity means Newton families can more easily visit campus, meet with administrators, and attend any legal proceedings.

Texas A&M University

For Newton families: Many high-achieving students from East Texas are drawn to Texas A&M in College Station, approximately 130 miles from Newton. The Corps of Cadets and strong Greek system present dual hazing risks.

Corps of Cadets Hazing: In 2023, a former cadet sued Texas A&M alleging he was subjected to degrading hazing including being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million. Texas A&M stated it handled the matter internally.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case: Around 2021, two Texas A&M pledges alleged they were covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million. The chapter was suspended.

What Newton parents should know: Texas A&M’s combination of military tradition and large Greek life creates multiple potential hazing environments. The university’s historical handling of such cases through internal discipline rather than transparent accountability should concern families.

University of Texas at Austin

For Newton families: UT Austin attracts students from across Texas, including East Texas. Its size and Greek life prominence mean Newton families may have children there despite the distance.

Public Hazing Violations Page: UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing disclosure systems at hazing.utexas.edu. Recent entries include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Chapter placed on probation.
Texas Wranglers (2023): Spirit organization sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Chapter already under suspension faced new allegations from an Australian exchange student who suffered dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose at a party.

What Newton parents should know: UT’s transparency is commendable but reveals ongoing patterns. The public database can be valuable evidence in civil cases, showing prior knowledge and pattern of violations.

University of Houston

For Newton families: While further from Newton, UH attracts students from across Texas, including East Texas, particularly for specialized programs.

The Leonel Bermudez Case: As detailed in our opening, this active Attorney911 case involves a Pi Kappa Phi pledge who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from hazing. The case exposes systemic issues at UH:

Hazing occurred at multiple locations: Pi Kappa Phi chapter house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
The “pledge fanny pack” humiliation system
Extreme physical abuse including hose spraying “like waterboarding”
Delayed medical response despite obvious danger signs

UH’s Response: The university called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary action. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters suspended then closed the chapter.

What Newton parents should know: This case demonstrates that even large, urban universities with anti-hazing policies can experience severe, systemic hazing. The rapid chapter closure suggests the university and national headquarters recognized significant liability exposure.

Other Texas Universities Newton Students Attend

Lamar University (Beaumont): Approximately 80 miles from Newton, Lamar has Greek life and reported hazing incidents. Attorney911 maintains a Beaumont office and understands the local legal landscape.

Sam Houston State University (Huntsville): About 90 miles from Newton, SHSU has active Greek life. Its location in Walker County means cases might involve different courts and procedures than East Texas counties.

Texas A&M University-Commerce: Located in Commerce, Texas (approximately 130 miles from Newton), this campus has Greek life and its own hazing challenges.

Fraternities and Sororities: National Histories That Matter in Texas

Why National Patterns Matter for Newton Families

When a Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous behaviors that caused deaths or serious injuries at other campuses, it demonstrates foreseeability—the national organization knew or should have known this could happen. This significantly strengthens civil cases.

Organizations with Documented National Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ):

Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021): $10 million settlement after alcohol poisoning death
David Bogenberger (NIU, 2012): $14 million settlement after alcohol poisoning death
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, Baylor, SMU, and most Texas universities

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ):

Multiple deaths nationwide led to 2014 elimination of traditional pledge process
University of Alabama (2023): Traumatic brain injury lawsuit
UT Austin (2024): Serious injury lawsuit from exchange student
Texas A&M (2021): Chemical burns lawsuit
Texas Presence: Chapters at all major Texas universities

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): $6.1 million verdict after drinking game death
Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, Baylor

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017): Death from alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Active Attorney911 lawsuit for rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (Beta Nu now closed), other Texas campuses

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ):

SMU Chapter (2017): Suspended for paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
Multiple suspensions at other universities
Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor

The Legal Significance of Pattern Evidence

In civil litigation, evidence that a national organization had prior incidents showing similar dangerous patterns can establish:

Notice: They knew this type of hazing was occurring in their chapters
Foreseeability: They should have anticipated it could happen again
Inadequate Prevention: Their policies and enforcement were insufficient
Gross Negligence: Their failure to act justifies punitive damages

For Newton families, this means your attorney should investigate not just what happened to your child, but what the national organization knew about similar incidents elsewhere.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (Most Important Category):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads: These often contain planning discussions, admissions, and real-time accounts of hazing
Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages: Especially important for visual evidence
Deleted messages: Digital forensics can often recover these
Location data and timestamps: Prove where and when events occurred

Photos and Videos:

Content filmed by participants during events
Security camera footage from houses and venues
Social media posts and stories showing activities

Medical Documentation:

ER records showing injuries and intoxication levels
Lab results (creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis, blood alcohol content)
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
Documentation of ongoing treatment needs

University and Organizational Records:

Prior conduct files from the university
Chapter meeting minutes and pledge education materials
National fraternity risk management files
Insurance policies and coverage information

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges who experienced the same hazing
Former members who quit over similar concerns
Roommates, friends, or bystanders who observed changes or events

Types of Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses):

Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, including potential lifelong care for catastrophic injuries
Lost educational opportunities: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished earning capacity: If injuries affect ability to work
Therapy and counseling costs: For PTSD and psychological trauma

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm):

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress, humiliation, and psychological trauma
Loss of enjoyment of life—inability to participate in college experience
Permanent disability or disfigurement

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance for family members
Grief and emotional suffering of parents and siblings

Punitive Damages:

Available in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct
Designed to punish defendants and deter future conduct
Often pursued when organizations had prior warnings and failed to act

The Role of Insurance in Hazing Cases

Fraternities, sororities, and universities typically have liability insurance. However, insurers often argue:

Intentional acts exclusion: Claims hazing was intentional and therefore excluded
Criminal acts exclusion: Argues criminal behavior isn’t covered
Policy limits: Attempt to cap recovery at low amounts

Attorney911’s unique advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurers value claims, use independent medical exams to reduce settlements, and deploy delay tactics. This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with fraternity and university insurers.

Practical Guide for Newton Parents and Students

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
Extreme fatigue or exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight loss or gain from food/water restriction or stress
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, calls at 3 AM)
Injuries to hands, back, legs from paddling or forced exercise
Signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use

Behavioral and Emotional Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-group activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Skipping exams or assignments for “mandatory” events

Questions to Ask Your Child (Non-Confrontationally)

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing

Immediate Steps:

If your child is in physical danger, call 911
Get medical attention immediately
Preserve evidence: screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Write down everything your child tells you with dates and details

Reporting Options:

Campus authorities: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct
Local police: If crimes occurred (assault, furnishing alcohol to minors)
National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous)
University hazing hotlines or online forms

Legal Consultation:

Contact an experienced hazing attorney before talking to university investigators or insurance adjusters
A lawyer can help preserve evidence, navigate university processes, and protect against retaliation

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence
Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly (they’ll lawyer up and destroy evidence)
Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms without attorney review
Posting details on social media before case is prepared
Letting your child go back to “one last meeting” (pressure and intimidation likely)
Waiting “to see how the university handles it” (evidence disappears, statutes run)
Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer

Frequently Asked Questions for Newton Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like SFA, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (like Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes basic hazing a Class B misdemeanor, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH, involving rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, would likely qualify for felony charges.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Consent is not a defense to hazing under Texas law (§37.155). Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion isn’t genuine voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist. Evidence disappears quickly, witnesses graduate, and organizations destroy records. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much does a hazing lawyer cost?”
Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases. This means:

No upfront costs
No hourly fees
We only get paid if we recover money for you
The fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket

Why Attorney911 for Newton Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña 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
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Deploy independent medical exams to reduce settlements
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):

One of the few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation (against billion-dollar defendants)
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
Currently leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience:

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Experience working with economists to value lifetime care needs
Experience with rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injury, and permanent disability cases
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:

Ralph Manginello’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth and Resources:

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence: deleted group chats, chapter records, university files
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: We maintain a proprietary database of Texas Greek organizations, including 125+ IRS-registered entities, 96 campuses, and 1,423 fraternities/sororities across 25 Texas metros
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Data-Driven Advocacy

For Newton families, our data advantage means we don’t start from scratch. We already know:

Public Records for East Texas and Statewide:

Stephen F. Austin State University entities in Nacogdoches
Texas A&M University System organizations across Texas
Fraternity and sorority housing corporations with Texas addresses
Alumni chapters and honor societies operating in Texas

Example IRS-Registered Greek Organizations in Texas:

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC (EIN: 133048786) | College Station, TX 77845
PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION (EIN: 371768785) | Missouri City, TX 77459
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC (EIN: 462267515) | Frisco, TX 75035
SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER (EIN: 746084905) | Houston, TX 77204
And 121+ additional Texas-registered Greek organizations

This data helps us quickly identify all potentially liable entities—local chapters, housing corporations, alumni associations, national headquarters—so families don’t have to guess who’s responsible.

Serving Newton and East Texas Families

While our main office is in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Newton, Newton County, and all of East Texas. We understand:

The close-knit nature of East Texas communities
The common educational pathways from Newton County schools to Texas universities
The jurisdictional nuances of East Texas courts
The importance of discretion and privacy in small communities

Hablamos Español: Mr. Lupe Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can consult with Spanish-speaking families about hazing cases.

Your Next Steps: Contact Attorney911 Today

Free, Confidential Consultation for Newton Families

If you suspect your child has been hazed at any Texas campus—whether Stephen F. Austin, Texas A&M, UT Austin, UH, or any other school—we want to hear from you. Families in Newton, Newton County, and throughout East Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

What to expect in your free consultation:

We’ll listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer your questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to decide
Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Attorney911 Right Now

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com

Spanish Services: Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Remember: Time Is Critical

Evidence disappears quickly (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles)
Witnesses graduate or are coached on what to say
Universities move to control the narrative
Statutes of limitations continue running

Don’t wait “to see how the university handles it.” Universities often prioritize protecting their reputation over holding perpetrators accountable. Get legal advice first.

We’re Here for Newton Families

Whether your child attends Stephen F. Austin just down the road or a university hours from home, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The same fraternities and sororities that have caused deaths and catastrophic injuries nationwide are operating on Texas campuses right now. The same institutional cover-ups that happened at Penn State, LSU, and Bowling Green can happen here too.

But there’s hope. Families across the country have secured accountability through litigation. Universities have reformed policies. Dangerous chapters have been closed. And future injuries have been prevented.

Let us help you understand your rights and options. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and we’re here to help Newton families through legal emergencies just like yours.

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 the 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)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com