3 charged in fraternity drinking death
Published: Jan. 30, 2008 at 7:51 PM
WALHALLA, S.C., Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Prosecutors in South Carolina said Wednesday they have charged three fraternity members in the alcohol-poisoning death of a Clemson University freshman.
Jetin Patel, 19, is charged with using a fake identification card to buy beer, underage possession of beer and the transfer of beer to a person under 21, WNEG-TV in Toccoa, Ga., reported. Matthew Rinkel, 20, is charged with the transfer of beer and liquor to a person under 21, while Addison Kerr, 21, is charged with the transfer of liquor to a person under 21, the TV station reported.
The charges against the trio, who are free on bail, follow an investigation into the death of Benjamin Sprague, 18, during an evening of drinking Dec. 8 at a Sigma Nu fraternity lake house in Oconee County. Sprague was found unresponsive on a couch the next morning.
"The cause of death was ruled as respiratory failure due to acute ethanolism," prosecutor Chrissy Adams said. "This had nothing to do with any forcing.
"Young people need to understand there are serious consequences to drinking in excess."
The three defendants face at least 30 days in jail and $200 fines if convicted. Clemson University officials and the national Sigma Nu fraternity have placed the local chapter on interim suspension.
Jetin Patel, 19, is charged with using a fake identification card to buy beer, underage possession of beer and the transfer of beer to a person under 21, WNEG-TV in Toccoa, Ga., reported. Matthew Rinkel, 20, is charged with the transfer of beer and liquor to a person under 21, while Addison Kerr, 21, is charged with the transfer of liquor to a person under 21, the TV station reported.
The charges against the trio, who are free on bail, follow an investigation into the death of Benjamin Sprague, 18, during an evening of drinking Dec. 8 at a Sigma Nu fraternity lake house in Oconee County. Sprague was found unresponsive on a couch the next morning.
"The cause of death was ruled as respiratory failure due to acute ethanolism," prosecutor Chrissy Adams said. "This had nothing to do with any forcing.
"Young people need to understand there are serious consequences to drinking in excess."
The three defendants face at least 30 days in jail and $200 fines if convicted. Clemson University officials and the national Sigma Nu fraternity have placed the local chapter on interim suspension.
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This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
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