Brockport 'frat' hazing arrests made: Six students among 9 charged

Six current students at The College at Brockport were among nine individuals arrested by college and Brockport police on Wednesday and charged with misdemeanors.

Chief Daniel Vasile of Brockport University Police said Thursday afternoon that the arrests were the culmination of a monthslong hazing investigation of a group that called itself "The Delts," which the college did not recognize as a fraternity.

Two victims who believed that were pledging at a recognized fraternity came forward to complain about their treatment at the house.

"We've received complaints about this group before, but we needed a cooperating victim to be able to go forward," Vasile said, adding that parents also cooperated. "I do believe there are more victims and we intend to keep interviewing for people for as long as necessary." He also said those individuals may not come forward.

The individuals arrested are:

Andrew William Peterson: Penal law-hazing first degree, two counts; criminal nuisance second degree, two counts; assault third degree-intent to cause physical injury; unlawfully dealing with a child first degree (alcohol)

Nickolas Antonio Buffa: Agriculture and markets law-torture/injure/not feed animal; penal law-hazing first degree

Jacob Benjamen Manolt: Penal law-hazing first degree; criminal nuisance second degree

Jacob William Parker: Penal law-hazing first degree; criminal nuisance second degree; unlawfully dealing with a child first degree (alcohol)

Mussey Tesfai Tella: Penal law-hazing first degree, two counts; criminal nuisance second degree, two counts; assault third degree-intent to cause physical injury

Leo Woon Keul Chai: Agriculture and markets law-torture/injure/not feed animal; penal law-hazing first degree; criminal nuisance second degree; assault third degree-intent to cause physical injury

Connor Brett Reed: Penal law-criminal possession of a controlled substance seventh degree; hazing first degree; criminal nuisance second degree

Brian Christopher Halpin: Penal law-hazing first degree; criminal nuisance second degree

Tyler Francis Ryan: Penal law-hazing first degree; criminal nuisance second degree.

Of the nine, Peterson, Tella and Ryan are not current students. Eight of the individuals are scheduled to appear at 2 p.m. Friday in Brockport Village Court. Details related to the charges are expected to be released at Friday's arraignment.

The animal cruelty charges relate to the use of a rat.

"They tortured the rat as an example of what would happen if somebody came forward or tried to leave the organization," said Brockport police Lt. Mark Cuzzupoli.

Cuzzupoli said in one instance, a hammer was used. In another, a fist was used against the rat.

"It's nasty, it's despicable, it's disgusting," he said. "I can see why somebody would be in fear of that."

He said college and village police had received tips about the situation. "We had some brave individuals come forward. That's what it takes, somebody to be brave and come forward and tell their story."

More: Police: Brockport 'frat' worse than 'Animal House'

Vasile said the legitimate fraternities and sororities at the college represent Brockport well through their community service and other activities. "In no way do we want to affect them negatively. In this one, something had to be done."

Vasile said the police response should be seen in a positive light. "We're not waiting until we have a student death. We are being proactive. We're not going to tolerate this on our campus or surrounding our campus."

Cuzzupoli said that it was possible additional charges may be filed against the individuals if the investigation uncovers more information.

In late November, college officials said University Police had executed a search warrant at 104 Monroe Ave. in the village, and police had detained some students. University Police and Brockport Police department worked together on an investigation that focused on allegations of hazing, assault and drug use and sales.

At Thursday's news conference, Vasile said that the landlord who owns that house had been cooperating with law enforcement efforts and the living conditions do not reflect the landlord. "The living conditions were caused by the occupants that were living there."

Cuzzupoli said people still were living in the house, and that the village code enforcement is involved.

Stephen Siciliano, who owns the house at 104 Monroe Ave. emailed a statement earlier Thursday: "I fully support the efforts of the Brockport Village Police, SUNY Brockport Police and SUNY Brockport officials. I called a meeting with the appropriate parties in October to get a handle of the situation. I complied and helped with the requests of the investigation. Since the beginning, I have been proactive about the situation and will continue to support the Brockport Police, The College of Brockport and the community."

Includes reporting by staff writers Victoria Freile and Meghan Finnerty.

PSINGER@Gannett.com

SLAHMAN@Gannett.com