A member of the US Secret Service, along with two others, has been accused of participating in a violent fraternity hazing ritual that resulted in two young men sustaining life-threatening injuries.
Marquez Christopher Pinder, 29, employed at the Secret Service’s Miami field office, was taken into custody in connection with alleged hazing incidents related to a Miami branch of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
The victims were reportedly subjected to repeated beatings using canes and paddles over a span of four nights in April, resulting in both individuals requiring medical treatment.
Pinder, who has been with the Secret Service since 2023, faces charges including hazing with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery causing serious bodily harm, and attempted manslaughter.
According to legal documents, he is identified as the “dean of pledges” for the chapter.
Authorities claim that the assaults occurred at an apartment and an off-campus residence after the two potential members failed to answer fraternity-related questions accurately.
Pinder’s arrest warrant indicated that the beatings ceased on the fourth night upon observing blood on one victim’s pants.
Allegedly, fraternity leaders instructed the victims to undress, bag their clothes, and leave after the incidents.
One victim experienced severe pain, vomiting, and fevers before being hospitalized, undergoing skin grafts and treatment for kidney damage. Without immediate medical intervention, his injuries could have led to renal failure and death.
The second victim initially denied being paddled but medical records revealed severe injuries requiring hospitalization.
A statement from Michael Townsend, the special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s Miami office, pledged to address any misconduct following due investigative and legal processes.
Kappa Alpha Psi representatives did not provide immediate comments when approached.
Florida classified hazing as a felony in 2005 in cases resulting in severe injury or death, following the tragic 2001 demise of University of Miami freshman Chad Meredith in a hazing incident.
Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle emphasized that hazing constitutes abuse and criminal behavior in Florida, often leading to fatalities or severe injuries.
For quick access to news content, consider selecting Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News.