Remember the Florida Frat boys and the Veteran? Police not charging frat members in harassment of vets

2015-06-04T09:35:55-04:00

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. — College fraternity members accused of harassing a group of disabled military veterans at a Florida beach resort in April won't be facing charges.

Police in Panama City Beach say they closed the investigations Tuesday because they couldn't identify the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity members who allegedly hurled drunken insults and spat at the disabled veterans. The veterans were attending a Wounded Warrior retreat at the resort.

Fraternity members from the University of Florida and Emory University were attending spring formals there at the time.

The fraternity members were initially accused of simple battery, petit theft, criminal mischief and launching a deadly missile.

The University of Florida closed its Zeta Beta Tau chapter after the allegations arose.
http://www.militarytimes.com/story/veterans/2015/06/03/police-not-charging-frat-members-in-harassment-of-vets/28438495/

Response by SGT Forrest Stewart made Jun 4 at 2015 9:39 AM

2015-06-04T09:39:41-04:00

I'm glad they closed the fraternity chapter. However, I think the authorities should still seek prosecution of the lowlifes.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jun 4 at 2015 9:41 AM

2015-06-04T09:41:19-04:00

I would like to say I am shocked but unfortunately this does not seem unlikely. Police have trouble to identify visiting frat boys who probably won't give each other up and the Disabled Vets are probably not local. [Note I changed local frat boys to visiting frat boys based on comment by CPT Danford Sawyer on 6/6/2015 which is the Anniversary of invasion of Normandy in 1944.]

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 4 at 2015 10:30 AM

2015-06-04T10:30:04-04:00

At least their frat got shut down, so that's something.

Response by MSgt Robert Pellam made Jun 4 at 2015 11:33 AM

2015-06-04T11:33:45-04:00

This is sad. All I see is a bunch of Children who lack integrity and respect. The fraternity was closed, but I fail to see how this incident promotes anything positive for these young men. The individuals showed lack of responsibility for them selves, lack of respect for others, and now lack of integrity concerning their deeds. As a whole their Fraternity shows lack of leadership, lack of mentor ship, and lack of responsibility as a group.

They have lost respect as a whole, and it is sad that there will be no consequences besides the fraternity being shut down. Here is a chance to instill a valuable life lesson into the some young men and it will go wasted.

Response by PFC Jason Rodrigues made Jun 4 at 2015 4:05 PM

2015-06-04T16:05:15-04:00

I find it appalling that we have citizens who would treat veterans this way in the first place. Now while I understand that not everyone is supportive of the wars we have fought and are still fighting I don't see how that translates to attacking/hatred/ridicule of veterans (disabled or otherwise). To me this sounds like a case of either white privilege or economic or political privilege. Perhaps judges, lawyers, and the parents of these frat boys made some sort of back-office deal to decide to not prosecute.

Response by SN Jared Walker made Jun 9 at 2015 5:41 PM

2015-06-09T17:41:55-04:00

I'm a vet and a UF student not in any way affiliated with Greek life on campus. I think they should allow the old ZBT frat house to now house veterans. They should be arrested but cops often can't do anything. It's a real shame too. ZBT was founded by Jewish students who were excluded from other frats because of discrimination, only to turn around and discriminate others some 100 years later.... Their founders are rolling in their graves I'm sure. But this isn't the fault of Gainesville, its the PC Beach police that can't get the job done, not us.
As always
Hooyah and Go Gators

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 22 at 2015 2:35 PM

2015-08-22T14:35:56-04:00

You mean they were accused of "launching a deadly missile" and no one knows anything??? Really??? Now THAT is troubling... smdh...
At least the closing of the house is in place, for now. With no charges, it's only a matter of time when it will re-open...

Response by LCpl Stephen Arnold made Mar 29 at 2017 6:05 PM

2017-03-29T18:05:09-04:00

"Zeta Beta, yabaa dabba doo, I'd like to introduce you the some friends of mine: The Marine Corps League, the American Legion, oh, and those friendly looking guys on the motorcycles, they are the Patriot Riders. Now you were saying something about harassing disabled veterans?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2018 3:30 AM

2018-02-16T03:30:11-05:00

Why? What whiny special interest millenial card did they play? Are these snowflakes the real victims?