Aaron Golson, 19, and Sean Hobson, 23, agreed to a plea deal
that lowered their hazing charges from felony-level to misdemeanor-level
offenses. They were sentenced to one year of probation and 30 days in a Georgia
sheriff’s work camp. The court also ordered them to pay restitution for the victim’s
medical expenses.
Bria Hunter attempted to pledge the Red Dawg Order, an
unauthorized group of Marching 100 students from Georgia, in 2011. Her police
report led to the arrests of fellow band members Golson, Hobson, and James
Harris, 23. Hunter claimed that she was fist-punched her and beaten her with a
metal ruler at Harris’ off-campus apartment.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, "Golson, Hobson and Harris originally were charged with felony hazing,
which carries a possible five-year prison term and requires prosecutors
to prove Hunter suffered serious injury. The initial report from campus
police said Hunter's injuries included a cracked femur. Medical records
later revealed that her leg was not broken, a key factor in the state's
decision to reduce the charges facing the trio, who have been expelled
from the band and school."
State Attorney Jon Fuchs added that Harris did not strike Hunter and actually intervened to stop
the hazing. His charges will be dropped after he finishes a supervised program.