Three Former Fraternity Pledges Plead Not Guilty

Three former fraternity pledges at Cornell University have pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges linked to the alcohol-related death of a fellow student after a mock kidnapping, according to The Post-Standard.

Nineteen year old George Desdunes was found unconscious at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon house on Feb. 25 and was pronounced dead shortly after. Police say his blood alcohol content was 0.35.

Max Haskin, Ben Mann and Edward Williams pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges linked to the alcohol related death that happened after a mock kidnapping.

The three former pledges are charged with first-degree hazing and first-degree unlawfully dealing with child. Williams also pleaded not guilty to a third charge of second degree criminal nuisance.

The fraternity also faces the same misdemeanor charges.

Defense attorneys noted none of students are accused of being responsible for Desdunes' death.