Student pleads no contest in USU hazing

Sadie Green, one of 12 Utah State University students charged in connection with the alcohol poisoning death of fraternity pledge Michael Starks, has pleaded no contest to one count of hazing, a class A misdemeanor.

Green, 19, entered into a plea in abeyance on Monday, which means the slate can essentially be wiped clean if she complies with court orders for her 12-month probationary period.

Green's attorney, Herm Olsen, said Green will be required to pay a fee, complete an alcohol education course and provide 50 hours of community service. "This includes preparing and presenting to various youth groups in the high schools a discussion on the dangers of underage drinking and binge drinking."

First District Judge Thomas Willmore also ordered that Green not join a sorority for a year.

"This has been an obviously painful episode for all of the parties, including the victim's family," Olsen said. "My client is anxious to both comply with the provisions of the plea in abeyance and to help people understand the damaging and potentially fatal effects of underage and binge drinking."

"There have been many tears shed over this event, and it has been a painful and traumatic process for all participants to go through, I'm sure," Olsen said.

Starks, 18, died Nov. 21, 2008, after consuming a deadly amount of vodka in an unauthorized initiation rite while pledging Sigma Nu fraternity. Prosecutors say members of the Chi Omega sorority had "captured" Starks and given him the liquor.

USU discontinued its relationship with both the fraternity and sorority on its campus. The national organizations for the sorority and fraternity have closed both chapters.

Charges were dismissed against another sorority member, Cecily Kiss, 19. Fraternity member Grant Barney, 22, has pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice, a class A misdemeanor, and is set to be sentenced April 20. Cases for the other nine are still pending.

— Linda Thomson