A West Virginia University fraternity member from Williamsville has been charged with two hazing-related misdemeanors after the November death of another student, also from Williamsville. Monongalia Magistrate Court records show that 20-year-old Richard William Schwartz was charged Monday with hazing and conspiracy to commit hazing. Schwartz was freed on $10,000 bond.
According to a criminal complaint, Schwartz provided 19-year-old Nolan Burch with a bottle of liquor for an initiation ceremony at the Kappa Sigma house on Nov. 12.
Police and medical personnel were later called to the house, where they found Burch unresponsive. Burch, also from Williamsville, was taken to a hospital where he later died.
Burch's blood alcohol content was later reported to be .493.
WVU suspended fraternity and sorority activities indefinitely after the incident. Schwartz' attorney, Robert G. McCoid, said his client was innocent and would be ``vindicated.''
