RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A former Virginia Commonwealth University student pleaded guilty Tuesday to hazing and serving alcohol to a minor in connection with a 19-year-old freshman’s death from alcohol poisoning after a fraternity party.
Andrew White, 23, of Dulles pleaded guilty to the misdemeanors in Richmond Circuit Court. He faces up to a year in prison and a $2,500 fine at sentencing in March.
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Alison Martin said White did not make an agreement with the prosecution. He pleaded guilty to accept responsibility for his role, his lawyer, Stephen A. Mutnick, said in a statement.
White is one of 11 former Delta Chi members charged in Adam Oakes’ February death and the only one to plead guilty in the case. All 11 were charged with hazing and White and five others were also charged with serving alcohol to a minor.
Oakes’ parents, Eric and Linda, and cousin attended the plea hearing.
A prosecutor identified White as Oakes’ “big brother” in the fraternity. The police investigation found that Oakes was told to drink a large bottle of whiskey and the freshman from Loudoun County was found dead the next morning. The office of the chief medical examiner ruled that Oakes’ death was caused by alcohol poisoning.