22 Fraternity Brothers Convicted Of Misdemeanors In Hazing Death

In what authorities called the largest hazing prosecution in the country's history, 22 men were convicted of misdemeanors Friday in the 2012 alcohol-related death of Northern Illinois University freshman and Palatine native David Bogenberger.

Five former officers of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity -- where the 19-year-old Palatine High School graduate was a pledge -- pleaded guilty to reckless conduct, a Class A misdemeanor, as part of negotiated agreements. James Harvey, 23, of Northfield; Alexander Jandick, 23, of Naperville; Steven Libert, 23, of Naperville; Patrick Merrill, 22, of Boston, Mass.; and Omar Salameh, 24, of Burbank, were sentenced to 24 months' conditional discharge, a type of probation. DeKalb County Judge Thomas Doherty also ordered each of them to pay a $1,000 fine and perform 100 hours of community service.

David's mother, Ruth Bogenberger, dabbed at her eyes during the hearing. David's father, Gary Bogenberger, remained stoic until it was time for his victim impact statement, when he broke down in tears, shielding his eyes.

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