Why the Centre County DA did not prosecute charges from a Penn State football hazing lawsuit
The hazing allegations lodged by a former Penn State football player were not substantiated during an investigation by the Centre County district attorney’s office, the county’s top prosecutor said Thursday.
County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna deviated from his office’s policy of not discussing cases where criminal charges have not been filed to issue a statement related to the federal lawsuit filed Monday by former Nittany Lion Isaiah Humphries.
The eight count, 46-page lawsuit alleges Humphries was subjected to hazing led by Penn State defensive linemen Damion Barber and Yetur Gross-Matos, and linebackers Micah Parsons and Jesse Luketa. It also alleges coach James Franklin and his staff were aware of the hazing, but did not intervene.
Cantorna’s office began investigating the report “regarding serious allegations of crimes of a sexual nature” in April. The probe included interviews with witnesses, students and staff, he said.
“As of today’s date, the investigation does not substantiate the serious allegations made,” Cantorna said. “What I mean by that is the evidence to date does not meet the high threshold necessary to file criminal charges and prove them beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Humphries’ alleged abusers wrestled him to the ground, mimicked a “humping action;” placed their genitals on the face of underclassmen; and placed their genitals on the buttocks of others, Humphries’ attorney Steven Marino wrote in the lawsuit.
The alleged participants also referenced former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky — who serving a 30- to 60-year state prison term for sexually abusing young boys — by saying “I am going to Sandusky you,” Marino wrote.
The university said Monday it also did not learn of any information that would substantiate the hazing claims after “extensive” interviews.
Investigations were carried out by the university’s police department, student conduct office and sexual misconduct prevention and response office. Each was independent from Intercollegiate Athletics, university spokeswoman Lisa Powers said.
The results of the sexual misconduct prevention and response office were submitted to the student conduct office, which prosecuted charges against Barber, Marino wrote.
He did not clear make what violation Barber — who was suspended for the first game of the 2019 season due to a violation of team rules — was charged with.
Several current Nittany Lions were staunch in their support for the university and its football team, with sophomore safety C.J. Holmes calling the allegations “straight lies.”
Humphries left Happy Valley in 2018 and transferred to the University of California, where is he now part of the Bears football team.
Those with information about the allegations are urged to contact Cantorna’s office by calling 355-6735.
This story was originally published January 16, 2020 at 2:30 PM.