The University of Virginia Police Department received search warrants Tuesday for e-mail and Home Directory contents for fraternity brothers and a first-year pledge as part of the continued investigation into Zeta Psi fraternity following the pledge’s hospitalization March 1.
The pledge was treated at Martha Jefferson Hospital for an electrolyte imbalance because of the high sodium content of a bottle of soy sauce he consumed at the fraternity house. He later was transported to the intensive care ward at the University Medical Center, and spent a total of four days in the hospital before being released.
Police are investigating whether the incident constitutes hazing. Police searched a brother’s e-mail account and located an e-mail exchange between his account and the e-mail listserv account provided by the University to the fraternity, according to the search warrant affidavit. One e-mail sent by the brother Jan. 31 stated: “I know have never been particularly involved in rush/hazing overall process in my time,” according to the affidavit.
In the affidavit, police also reported discovering an e-mail exchange between the pledge and several brothers titled “Operation Penelope” that stated: “we will attempt the unthinkable: hog tie … (name removed) … and place him in The Office.” The meaning of this statement is unclear.
Rebecca Rubin is an editor for the Cavalier Daily. She is a member of the Student Free Press Association.
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