Bel Air Man Charged with Hazing at Towson University

TOWSON, MD — A Bel Air man has been charged in connection with a hazing incident that sent a Towson University student to the hospital this spring, police reported.

Alexander James Cantor, 21, of the 1200 block of Midwood Court in Bel Air, is charged with hazing and reckless endangerment.

Cantor was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE), a fraternity that a 19-year-old student was pledging when he attended a March 31 initiation event in the 300 block of Hillen Road where he was forced to do intense workouts, recite fraternity knowledge and drink unknown substances, police said.

The teen became extremely ill and was hospitalized with injuries that police later said indicated he had ingested a caustic substance.

Related: Towson Student Hospitalized After Alleged Hazing

When Cantor learned the victim was sick, police said he discouraged the teen from seeking medical help, and while the victim was hospitalized, Cantor allegedly arranged the removal of TKE items from his dorm room.

Detectives determined that Cantor handled pledge communications for TKE and Evan Palmer Francis, 21, of Olney, handled pledge safety and event oversight. Both Cantor and Francis were charged this week with reckless endangerment and hazing.

Cantor was arrested July 22 and released the following day on $50,000 bail, police reported. His trial is set for Sept. 19 in Baltimore County District Court in Towson.

Francis was taken into custody Tuesday and released the same day on $35,000 bail, according to officials. He is slated to stand trial Sept. 19 as well.

According to police, both hazing and reckless endangerment are misdemeanors. Hazing carries a maximum fine of $500 and six months in jail, while reckless endangerment is punishable by a $5,000 fine and up to five years in jail.

Booking photos courtesy of the Baltimore County Police Department.