Serious charges dismissed in Penn State frat pledge death
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A judge Monday threw out the most serious counts against a second set of defendants in a Penn State fraternity pledge's death last year, leaving in place only hazing and alcohol charges that would likely result in little or no jail time.
While sending 11 more fraternity brothers to trial, Judge Steven Lachman dismissed reckless endangerment charges and allegations that a member of now-shuttered Beta Theta Pi had erased basement security video to thwart investigators.
It was yet another blow to prosecutors, who have struggled to get the most serious charges to stick against the total of 25 fraternity members now awaiting trial in death of Tim Piazza, 19, of Lebanon, New Jersey.