BU students in court for alleged hazing incident

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Five Boston University students appeared in court Wednesday facing charges of hazing and assault.

Several students are accused of being part of an illegal fraternity that hazed a number of pledges.

Five of the seven suspects were in court Wednesday, including 20-year-old Jesse Kay, who pleaded not guilty to five counts of assault and battery, hazing and failure to report hazing.

The charges stem from what police describe as a hazing incident at an Allston house in April. Prosecutors said when officers arrived at Alpha Epsilon Pi, an unrecognized fraternity at Boston University; they found five young men shivering in the basement. Prosecutors said they were tied together with duct tape and covered in condiments.

“Officers uncovered what appeared to be a hazing incident in the basement. Five students were covered head-to-toe in various condiments,” said Prosecutor Luke Goldworm.

Most of the cases were postponed, allowing the district attorney to further investigate. Others had their cases converted to civil violations, meaning the students were fined or ordered to perform community service.

Kay was released on personal recognizance. He is due back in court later this summer.