Police: WVU student arrested, charged with hazing

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Police Department said it has arrested a 21-year-old student following an investigation of hazing at a West Virginia University fraternity.

Authorities said Tuesday that Andrew Nemes, of Huntington Beach, Calif., has been charged with battery and hazing. He was released on a $2,000 bond.

Police received information that a 19-year-old male was injured and physically assaulted while participating in initiation at the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity in November.

The West Virginia University Department of Public Safety received information regarding the incident and contacted Morgantown Police Department.

Police said the reported victim declined to provide further information to investigators until after legal and family consultation.

Additional arrests are pending and school officials also are investigating the incident.

After learning of the charges, Phi Kappa Psi suspended its West Virginia University chapter.

"Phi Kappa Psi has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to hazing and holds the safety and well-being of our members as our top priority," said Executive Director Shawn Collinsworth. "West Virginia Alpha has jeopardized that by participating in activities that aim to humiliate or harm new members, and it will not be tolerated."

The fraternity released the following statement, “Following an investigation into the hazing allegations against the West Virginia Alpha Chapter of Phi Kappa Psi at West Virginia University, the chapter's charter has been suspended. Effective immediately, the chapter is no longer recognized by the national organization and will cease any organized activity on West Virginia University campus. All undergraduate members were moved to the status of being recognized as alumni members of Phi Kappa Psi.

“The decision to cease chapter operations was not something taken lightly by the ruling body of the Fraternity. Members of the Headquarters Staff conducted an investigation of multiple allegations, in cooperation with the university and local alumni. These findings were then presented to the Executive Council.”

WPXI