Virginia State University SGA President Says Hazing Plea Was Coerced
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Posted By: How May I Help You NC on May 02, 2013 The president of Virginia State University’s student government association is asking a judge to set aside his hazing conviction, arguing that he only pleaded guilty because the prosecutor said he wouldn’t graduate if he refused. Brandon Randleman, 22, and three others pleaded guilty April 8 to an August hazing incident involving a student. All are members of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Randleman’s attorney, Joseph Morrissey, claims in court papers filed last week that Randleman told Petersburg Commonwealth’s attorney Cassandra Conover he was innocent and agreed to plead guilty only after the threat was made, The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported Wednesday. In a meeting shortly before the hearing, Conover told Randleman, “If you don’t sign this [plea agreement], you are not graduating,” Randleman alleged in the court filing, which asks that his conviction be tossed and that his case be set for trial. Conover and the judge who accepted the pleas have recused themselves from the case. A special prosecutor from Chesterfield County has been appointed to handle Randleman’s case, now set for May 23. All three defendants waived their rights to an attorney before the April hearing and agreed to plead guilty. In exchange, they received 30 days of probation, a few hours behind bars, and agreed to comply with any conditions imposed by the university and the prosecutor. The charges would be formally dismissed in May if all conditions were met. Morrissey began representing Randleman after the plea was entered. More: http://diverseeducation.com/article/53047/ If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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How May I Help You NC
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