A U.S. Secret Service agent has been arrested and charged with multiple felony counts, including attempted manslaughter with a deadly weapon, following his alleged involvement in fraternity hazing rituals that resulted in two victims suffering life-threatening injuries.
Marquez Pinder, a 29-year-old special agent with the Miami Field Office, was placed on house arrest with a GPS tracking device. According to an affidavit filed with the Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida, Pinder held the title of "dean of pledges" during four hour-long hazing sessions for a Miami chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. In this capacity, he is accused of participating in the hazing of two prospective members.
The victims were reportedly "paddled" and struck with "canes" by Pinder and two other fraternity members. Court records indicate that one victim's concerns about urinating blood were dismissed by the fraternity. Days later, this victim required intubation in a hospital for critical care to prevent death. The second victim was treated for "blackened" and "necrotic" tissue on his buttocks, necessitating surgical removal of substantial portions of skin and soft tissue, followed by extensive skin grafts. His mobility and quality of life have been significantly impacted, and without emergency medical care, he would have suffered renal failure leading to death.
The alleged hazing incidents occurred daily from April 1-4 at two residences in Miami-Dade County. During these sessions, prospective members were quizzed on fraternity history and placed in a "stress position"—a half-squat with one arm extended—if they answered incorrectly. While in this position, they were allegedly struck on the buttocks with a paddle. Victims reported being instructed to inform Pinder if they felt they were reaching their physical limit, with indications including urinating blood or feeling faint.
Investigators reviewed messages between fraternity members discussing the need for cleaning supplies to "mop up sweat and blood." Following the four days of "testing," one victim sought emergency medical treatment due to deteriorating health, including vomiting, fevers, and severe pain.
Pinder faces five felony charges: two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, two counts of attempted manslaughter with a deadly weapon, and one count of hazing with a deadly weapon. Jared James and Elijah Dyous, also allegedly involved in the hazing, face the same charges.
Pinder has been employed with the U.S. Secret Service since September 2023 and is currently on administrative leave. A spokesperson for the agency stated, "The United States Secret Service takes seriously any criminal misconduct allegations involving one of our employees. We are fully cooperating with the investigation."
The national Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity issued a statement asserting a "strict zero-tolerance policy on hazing." The Richmond-Perrine Alumni Chapter, to which the alleged hazing is linked, is not affiliated with the University of Miami, although one victim is a student at the university's School of Law. The organization's national president, Jimmy McMikle, reiterated the zero-tolerance stance.