UGA Freshman Says Fraternity Hazed Him

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - An 18-year-old University of Georgia fraternity pledge says he was hazed and forced to drink alcohol.

Athens-Clarke police arrested Ry Thomas Mercado for underage drinking early Thursday after a taxi driver called authorities to say the UGA freshman had vomited in his cab and refused to pay the
fare.

Officer Derek Kristan Scott says Mercado told officers he wanted to pursue hazing charges against the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

Eric Atkinson, UGA assistant vice president for student affairs, said the university is investigating the incident to determine if Mercado or the fraternity violated school conduct rules. Officials
for the Memphis, Tenn.-based Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity said Friday they do not “condone hazing activities” and are investigating the incident.