2 Towson U. Fraternity Members Charged In Alleged Off-Campus Hazing

Two Towson University students face misdemeanor charges in connection with an off-campus March hazing incident linked to a fraternity there, Baltimore County Police say.

Evan Palmer Francis, 21, of the 18300 block of Wachs Terrace in Olney; and Alexander James Cantor, 21, of the 1200 block of Midwood Court in Bel Air each face charges of hazing and reckless endangerment. Both are now free on bail, with trials set for Sept. 19 at Towson District Court.

If found guilty on both charges, each could face up to 5 1/2 years in jail and $5,500 in fines.

Police say that on March 31, the 19-year-old victim was at a Tau Kappa Epsilon initiation event in the 300 block of Hillen Road. He was forced to perform workouts, recite knowledge of the fraternity and drink unknown caustic substances believed to have made him extremely ill. Police say Francis was responsible for overseeing events and ensuring safety of pledges, and that Cantor was responsible for communicating with someone overseeing the pledges.

In a statement, Towson spokesman Ray Feldmann say the fraternity involved remains suspended through summer 2021. He said Francis and Cantor are no longer enrolled at Towson, and said privacy laws prevented him from commenting on what university discipline they faced. He did say, however, that anyone found responsible for hazing can be subject to penalties up to and including expulsion.

"Towson University takes all allegations of hazing very seriously and deals with them swiftly," Feldmann said. "Our hazing policy is clear. Hazing is against the law... and is strictly prohibited at Towson University. Hazing can risk human lives, mistreats those involved, and jeopardizes the affiliation of campus organizations at this university. It is one of the most damaging actions a campus organization—social, honor, service, athletics, academic, or other—can engage in."