Former Penn State student Hanif Johnson has been convicted in a hazing case involving a fraternity at the university. A one-day trial ended Tuesday with Johnson convicted on two counts of harassment.
He was acquitted of more serious conspiracy and simple assault charges. He was sentenced to the seven days he’s already served in jail and ordered to pay a $600 fine.
The district attorney’s office said Johnson was present when fraternity pledges were assaulted.
Johnson was the “male dean of pledges” of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, and the victim was trying to join the “little sister” fraternity, Omega Essence.
Two of Johnson’s alleged accomplices still face trial. According to prosecutors, the co-defendants are former fraternity members Felicia Ragsdale and Bianca Jeanty. They allegedly struck the victim in the face and neck with a wet washcloth. The victim and other pledges were also forced to eat a mix of condiments including hot sauce and mayonnaise, according to the press release.
The hazing incidents occurred over a three-day period in April of 2012.
According to the district attorney’s office, the victim and other pledges were kicked and punched in the stomach, backs and sides and slapped in their faces.
“We brought the charges because we felt he was a clear conspirator and accomplice to the beating since he directed and orchestrated it as the so called “Dean”. But as always, we accept the outcome and are pleased that he was held responsible, he served a jail sentence and has a record. No one should have to endure a beating to belong to any group and being violently kicked and bloodied is not what the victim bargained for,” Parks Miller said.
Penn State had no comment Tuesday. Spokeswoman Lisa Powers said in April 2012 the defendants were placed on indefinite expulsion. That means they were unable to attend classes or live on campus.
Ragsdale and Jeanty were set to graduate but their diplomas are being withheld.
“We take the crimes of hazing and harassment seriously at Penn State and will follow through on claims of this nature to reach the truth, and determine what actions are necessary to hold those responsible. Hopefully, we are sending a message that this will not be tolerated,” Powers said.
