DECATUR | 4 FAMU students arrested for hazing | News

LEON COUNTY, Fla. -- Four Florida A&M University students were arrested Thursday and charged with hazing.

A warrant obtained by 11Alive News says that Denise Bailey, Brandon Benson, Hakeem Birch and Anthony Mingo were suspected of hazing five fellow members of the Marching 100 who pledged a band sub-group known as the "Clones."

The defendants "punched, prepped (slapped with both hands on back) and paddled" the five pledges, according to the warrant.

RELATED | FAMU trustees will create anti-hazing committee

This reported abuse occurred four days before DeKalb County native Robert Champion died as a result of hazing. Champion was not named anywhere in the warrant.

Hazing is a third-degree felony in Florida and is punishable by up to five years in prison.