A member of the suspended Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) chapter at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega has been charged with misdemeanor hazing.
The charge levied against Michael Ray Pompeo, 21, is related to an ongoing investigation into alcohol misuse by the Delta Beta chapter of SAE, according to a campus email from UNG officials.
UNG and SAE's national office conducted a joint investigation into the alleged alcohol misuse after a new member of SAE was taken to the hospital for severe intoxication in December 2018. The chapter was placed on an interim suspension at that time and was then suspended in February 2019 after the investigation revealed the fraternity was responsible for supplying alcohol to underage members at an off-campus event.
As the investigation into the alcohol misuse was concluding, the university received a report about hazing that had taken place at the event in December 2018.
"Because hazing is a misdemeanor criminal offense in the state of Georgia, UNG referred the case to the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, resulting in the recent arrest of an SAE member," read the UNG campus email. "An external investigation initiated by UNG also substantiated the hazing allegations and several individual student conduct cases are ongoing."
According to the arrest report from the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office, Pompeo was arrested on May 6, 2019. He was released the same day on a bond of $11,700.
The alleged victim in the case is 20 years old, according to the report. The report did not indicate what type of hazing the victim might have suffered.
The incident in question took place at a residence on Porter Springs Road in Dahlonega.
