Police released a statement today saying:
Baltimore County Police have charged two people in connection with an incident in March that seriously injured a Towson University student.
Evan Palmer Francis, 21, of the 18300 block of Wachs Terrace in Olney 20832, has been charged with hazing and reckless endangerment. He was released on $35,000 bail, and his trial date is set for September 19 in Towson District Court.
Alexander James Cantor, 21, of the 1200 block of Midwood Court in Bel Air, 21014, has been charged with hazing and reckless endangerment. He was released on $50,000 bail, and his trial is set for September 19 in Towson District Court.
Hazing is a misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine and six months in jail. Reckless endangerment is a misdemeanor punishable by a $5,000 fine and five years in jail.
The investigation indicates that on March 31 the victim, a 19-year-old male Towson University student, attended an initiation event for the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity at a location in the 300 block of Hillen Road 21286. During the event, the victim was made to perform strenuous workouts, recite knowledge of the fraternity and drink unknown substances. After the event, the victim became extremely ill and was hospitalized.
Investigators determined that Francis and Cantor were Towson University students and TKE members and were present at the March 31 Hillen Road event. Francis was responsible for overseeing events and ensuring the safety of TKE pledges. Cantor was responsible for the communication with an oversight of the TKE pledges.
Investigators also learned that after Cantor discovered the victim planned to seek medical treatment he encouraged the victim not to seek medical treatment and not to talk about the cause of his injuries. Cantor also coordinated the removal of TKA-related items from the victim’s dorm without his knowledge while he was hospitalized.
The investigation shows that the victim’s injuries were consistent with injestion of an unknown caustic substance.
This incident remains under investigation by the Precinct 6 Investigative Services Team.