Report: 4 SUNY Geneseo Students From L.I. Face Hazing Charges
GENESEO, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Four students from Long Island have reportedly been arrested in an alleged hazing incident involving the SUNY Geneseo women's volleyball team.
Eight freshmen were apparently invited to an off-campus party on Sept. 2 and were allegedly blindfolded, handcuffed and force-fed drinks, according to a report in the Irondequoit Post.
Eleven current and former members of the SUNY Geneseo women's volleyball team are now facing charges, the school said in a statement on its website.
Among those facing counts of hazing and unlawfully dealing with a child are Noelle Morrison, 20, of Stony Brook, Carissa Gagliardi, 19, of Wantagh, Meagan Johnson, 19, of East Moriches and Laura Raheb, 21, of East Northport, according to the Post.
Police began an investigation after an 18-year-old student was admitted to the hospital for alcohol poisoning,the paper reported.
The school said it is "cooperating fully" with the police investigation and has canceled the team's upcoming games and practice sessions.
"We take underage drinking and hazing very seriously," said Vice President for Student and Campus Life Robert Bonfiglio. "Hazing is not only a violation of college policy but is a crime under New York State law."
The college will be conducting its own investigation and may pursue disciplinary action against those involved.
