The Charlottesville Commonwealth Attorney's office announced Friday that an investigation into hazing accusations at the University's Alpha Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity last October has led to charges of trespassing and destruction of property against a University student.
Charlottesville Police Detective Sgt. Richard Hudson said third-year College student Saam Fouladgar was served two warrants last Thursday for vandalism or destruction of property and "entering property of another for the purpose of damaging" for a crime allegedly committed Oct. 28.
Charlottesville Commonwealth's Attorney Dave Chapman said he could not comment on the specifics of the case but said an investigation into fraternity hazing led to the charges.
"The investigation revealed that there was probable cause to believe that two misdemeanors were committed that were appropriate to prosecute," Chapman said.
According to Chapman, the office originally had considered pressing charges against the fraternity after an unidentified second-year pledge filed accusations of hazing last October.
No charges were brought against the fraternity because the allegations originally investigated did not meet the standards set by the Commonwealth's hazing statute to merit prosecution.
"The allegations of hazing did not result in any injury that was sufficient to support any charge within the meaning of Virginia law," Chapman said.
Fouladgar said he was frustrated by the connection made between the fraternity and the accusations made against him.
"Despite what was printed in the past in other publications, these charges are in no way related to hazing or any fraternity," Fouladgar said. "This is a separate issue. It is a separate charge against me as a private citizen and I am confident that when all the facts are brought forward in this case my name will be cleared of any and all charges."
Fouladgar said he is no longer a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding his deactivation.
Chapman confirmed that the crimes allegedly committed by Fouladgar were Class 1 misdemeanors and carry a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and/or a $2,500 fine.
Fouladgar is due to appear in Charlottesville General District Court Feb. 20.
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