15 people charged in alleged hate crime attack near Salisbury University after 3 more arrests

BALTIMORE -- Three more men were arrested Thursday for their involvement in an alleged hate crime attack on a man near Salisbury University, increasing the number of people charged to 15, according to police.

A suspect allegedly created an account on Grindr, a dating app used primarily by gay and bisexual men, and posed as a 16-year-old, luring the victim to an apartment just off the Salisbury University campus for sex, according to charging documents obtained by WJZ.

On October 15, "approximately 15 college-aged males appeared from the back bedrooms," the documents state, and within moments, "slapped, punched, kicked and spit" on the victim while yelling an anti-gay slur.

Police said the victim repeatedly tried to flee the apartment but was thrown to the floor. He was eventually able to escape.

Sean Antone, 19, from West Friendship; 18-year-old Benjamin Brandenburg, from Glyndon; and 19-year-old Logan Clark, from Severna Park, were taken into custody, according to police. 

Officials said 12 other students have been arrested in connection with the alleged attack. 

The 15 students are facing charges of first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment and hate crime associated offenses.

Police identified the 15 people allegedly involved in the attack as:

• 20-year-old Ryder Baker of Olney
• 18-year-old Bennan Aird of Milton, Delaware
• 20-year-old Riley Brister of Davidsonville
• 19-year-old Cruz Cespedes of Jarrettsville
• 20-year-old Dylan Earp of Gambrills
• 19-year-old Elijah Johnson of Crofton
• 18-year-old Zachary Leinemann of Crofton
• 18-year-old Cameron Guy of Baltimore
• 19-year-old Jacob Howard of Elkridge
• 21-year-old Eric Sinclair of Mount Airy
• 19-year-old Patrick Gutierrez of Salisbury
• 20-year-old Dylan Pietuszka of West Friendship
• 19-year-old Sean Antone of West Friendship
• 18-year-old Benjamin Brandenburg of Glyndon
• 19-year-old Logan Clark of Severna Park

Salisbury University responds

Salisbury University condemned any acts of hate and suspended the students and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity chapter.

"The [students charged] aren't allowed on campus property. They also can't take classes at S.U. either online or virtually, and they can't attend Salisbury University-sponsored events," school spokesman Jason Rhodes said.

Rhodes repeatedly said "hate has no place" at the university. 

"These allegations are very shocking and disturbing," Rhodes said. "We've opened up counseling for students who may need support at this time, and we've also taken steps toward making sure the LGBTQ community on campus feels supported at this time."

Fraternity members expelled

 WJZ was the first to report the SAE fraternity expelled the students involved who are affiliated with its Salisbury chapter.

"Sigma Alpha Epsilon condemns hate and violence in any form, and we are disappointed that members of our chapter were involved in such an act," the suburban Chicago-based fraternity wrote in a statement. "The Fraternity Service Center has reviewed the circumstances surrounding the incident and has confirmed that it was isolated to the expelled individuals. The remaining members of our chapter are devoted to our mission and continue to uphold the high standards expected of Sigma Alpha Epsilon."

"These individuals' actions do not align with the values of our organization or reflect the principles of our Fraternity's creed, The True Gentleman," SAE officials said in a statement.

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• Salisbury News