By News 4’s Kayla Green @KaylaGreen04
Nine people, including six students, have been arrested following a hazing investigation at The College at Brockport.
University Police at the college and the Brockport Police Department arrested and charged the individuals with various misdemeanors on Wednesday.
The charges range from hazing to serving alcohol to minors to animal cruelty. Police say a rat was kept in a cage and was used to put fear into the people pledging the fraternity.
“They basically tortured the rat as an example of what would happen if someone came forward. A hammer was used in one instance, and a fist in another instance. It’s nasty, it’s despicable, it’s disgusting, and I can see what someone would be afraid of that,” officers said.
These arrests are a result of a months-long hazing investigation.
Last week, officers detained students part of an unrecognized fraternity, known as the Delts, for questioning. Police searched the house last Wednesday evening.
Officials say they have been working with the landlord and that they have been very cooperative.
College officials were very clear that this organization has not been recognized by the college since 2001.
Parents and students are told at summer orientation about these unrecognized fraternities. The college is transparent about the fact that they exist, and warn students not to join them.
Police say it is difficult to bring about an investigation like this because they need a victim who is willing to go through the entire process.
The following people were arrested:
Andrew William Peterson: charged with penal law-hazing first degree (2) counts; criminal nuisance second degree (2) counts; assault third degree-intent to cause physical injury; unlawfully dealing with a child first degree (alcohol)
Nickolas Antonio Buffa: charged with agriculture and markets law-torture/injure/not feed animal; penal law-hazing first degree.
Jacob Benjamen Manolt: charged with penal law-hazing first degree; criminal nuisance second degree.
Jacob William Parker: charged with penal law-hazing first degree; criminal nuisance second degree; unlawfully dealing with a child first degree (alcohol).
Mussey Tesfai Tella: charged with penal law-hazing first degree (2) counts; criminal nuisance second degree (2) counts; assault third degree-intent to cause physical injury.
Leo Woon Keul Chai: charged with agriculture and Markets Law-Torture/Injure/Not feed animal; Penal law-hazing first degree; criminal nuisance second degree; assault third degree-intent to cause physical injury.
Connor Brett Reed: charged with penal law-criminal possession of a controlled substance seventh degree; hazing first degree; criminal nuisance second degree.
Brian Christopher Halpin: charged with penal law-hazing first degree; criminal nuisance second degree.
Tyler Francis Ryan: charged with penal law-hazing first degree; criminal nuisance second degree.
Police say they are still talking to people about the incident, and will continue to do so as long as is necessary.
Eight of the nine of the arrested individuals are scheduled to appear in the Brockport Village Court Friday at 2 p.m.
Talon Television 
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