Secret Service Agent Placed on Leave After Alleged Hazing Investigation Leaves Victims Hospitalized
A Secret Service agent has been placed on administrative leave after being charged alongside two other men in connection with an alleged fraternity hazing investigation in Miami-Dade County that authorities say left victims hospitalized.
Prosecutors allege the hazing involved repeated beatings with canes and paddles.
The defendants are Marquez Christopher Pinder, 29, a Secret Service agent assigned to South Florida, Jared Lamar James, 26, and Elijah Delano Dyous, 29.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed that Pinder has been on administrative leave since the agency was notified of the investigation.
Michael Townsend, special agent in charge of the Miami Field Office, said the agency is fully cooperating with local authorities but declined to discuss details of the ongoing investigation.
In a statement, Townsend said that the Secret Service is committed to accountability, professionalism, and integrity and will address any employee misconduct after the investigative and judicial processes are completed, CBS News reported.
According to investigators, the alleged hazing began April 1 at an apartment in Sweetwater and continued over the following three days before moving to a residence in unincorporated Miami-Dade County.
Authorities allege the victims were repeatedly beaten after failing to correctly answer questions related to fraternity activities.
Prosecutors said the alleged assaults involved canes and paddles and resulted in serious injuries. One victim reportedly suffered kidney failure and required surgery.
Pinder, James, and Dyous each face two counts of attempted manslaughter with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon causing great bodily harm, and hazing with a deadly weapon, according to the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office.
Investigators have also not disclosed additional information about the victims’ current medical conditions.
Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle announced the charges alongside Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz and Sweetwater Police Chief Sergio Diez.
“Among some, fraternity hazing might be seen as a tradition creating a sense of belonging and brotherhood, but since 2001, hazing in Florida has killed Chad Meredith, Robert Champion and Andrew Coffey while seriously injuring others,” Fernandez Rundle said, according to Local 10. “This case, with the victims requiring hospitalization, provide clear-cut examples of hazing’s danger.
She added that “in Florida, hazing is abuse and it is a crime.”
Fernandez Rundle also warned of the consequences, saying, “Its victims too often lie in their graves and in hospital beds.”
The allegations first came to light last month after RealClearPolitics’ Susan Crabtree first reported that a Secret Service agent was under both criminal and internal investigation for his alleged role in fraternity pledge activities involving a historically black fraternity.
The case comes as some lawmakers continue scrutinizing personnel issues within the Secret Service following several unrelated incidents involving agency employees.
Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R) has previously called for a review of agency personnel.
The Secret Service said it remains committed to accountability and professional standards while the investigation continues.
The agency has not announced any additional employment action involving Pinder beyond placing him on administrative leave.
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