September 25, 2007
Lambda Phi Epsilon Leaders Sentenced to Two Years of Probation
Three of the ringleaders behind the now-defunct UT fraternity Lambda Phi Epsilon pleaded no contest to misdemeanor hazing charges today, nearly two years after freshman pledge Phanta "Jack" Phoummarath died of acute alcohol poisoning.
Fraternity president Benny Chan, pledge captain Andrew Nguyen, and "Hellmaster" Kamal Pulukuri got off with little more than a slap on the wrists — according to the Statesman, each will serve two years of probation, "pay a $1,000 fine, perform 100 hours of community service, take an alcohol awareness class, issue an apology to Phoummarath's family and give a full description of the "hell week" activities of the fall 2005 semester and the party that followed." The three were indicted on multiple counts of furnishing alcohol to minors and/or hazing by a Travis County grand jury last December.
An autopsy revealed that Phoummarath had a blood alcohol level of 0.41 percent — over four times the legal driving limit — when he died. He was 18 at the time.
After today's sentencing, defense lawyer Bill White described the incident as a tragic accident, stating, "Nobody ever meant for that to happen at all ... you cannot legislate against youthful indiscretion."
Related:
Phanta "Jack" Phoummarath on CompelledToAct.com
UT Frat Kicks Ass, Gets In Trouble
Video from Youtube
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"After today's sentencing, defense lawyer Bill White described the incident as a tragic accident, stating, 'Nobody ever meant for that to happen at all ... you cannot legislate against youthful indiscretion.' "
If this was in a latino or black neighborhood in austin they would have gone to prison for life. But of course they're all white and have money to afford a lawyer. "You cannot legislate against youthful indiscretion" if your rich and white!!
Actually they arent white.....
So you're saying Asian people aren't white? My LORD! When did this happen?
it's highly unlikely that this fraternity is disbanded. they probably operate unofficially, outside of university oversight. that makes their future actions more dangerous. they definitely deserved more than this slap on the wrists; .41 bac is by no means 'youthful indiscretion'