Salisbury hate crime: 5 more people arrested, suspects expelled from student union

SALISBURY, Md. — Another five Salisbury University students have been arrested in an attack near the Maryland College campus that police are investigating as a hate crime. Police said the victim was “targeted based on his sexual preferences.”

The Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity said it immediately expelled its members accused of beating an adult man who thought he was meeting a 16-year-old for sex. The minimum age of sexual consent in Maryland is 16.

SAE said the actions of its expelled members “do not correspond to the values ​​of our organization and do not reflect the tenets of our brotherhood's creed, the true gentleman.”

“We remain committed to fostering an environment of respect, integrity and belonging – values ​​that are fundamental to both our chapter and SAE nationwide,” SAE said in a statement provided to WBAL and WJZ received. “Sigma Alpha Epsilon condemns hate and violence in all forms and we are disappointed that members of our chapter were involved in such an act. The Fraternity Service Center has reviewed the circumstances of the incident and confirmed that only the displaced individuals were involved.” “The remaining members of our chapter are dedicated to our mission and continue to uphold the high standards expected of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. “

Salisbury University said it suspended the suspects, barred them from campus and banned them from taking courses in person and virtually.

The college said it also suspended Salisbury's SAE chapter under the Code of Student Organization Standards.

“Our community is suffering from an act of profound hatred,” Salisbury University President Carolyn Ringer Lepre said in a letter to the college community Thursday. “We are witnessing a campus filled with fear that something so unspeakable could happen within the community we all love.”

Lepre plans to form a task force on LGBTQ+ inclusivity “in the coming days.” The college also held a vigil and unity walk Monday afternoon.

“Although these crimes were not committed against another student, the thought that this could happen to anyone – regardless of the circumstances – is disturbing,” Lepre said. “As we seek to heal, we must acknowledge the damage that hate and violence have inflicted on our campus and we must listen to the voices of the LGBTQ+ community.”

Salisbury police on Thursday identified the others arrested as:

• Cameron Guy, 18, of Baltimore
• Jacob Howard, 19, of Elkridge
• Eric Sinclair, 21, of Mount Airy
• Patrick Gutierrez, 19, of Salisbury
• Dylan Pietuszka, 20, of Friendship

Related: 7 Salisbury University students arrested for hate crimes: police

Last Tuesday, police announced the first wave of arrests. They said six Marylanders and one Delawarean have been charged in the attack.

Officers identified the initial suspects as:

• Ryder Baker, 20, of Olney
• Bennan Aird, 18, of Milton, Delaware
• Riley Brister, 20, of Davidsonville
• Cruz Cespedes, 19, of Jarrettsville
• Dylan Earp, 20, of Gambrills
• Elijah Johnson, 19, of Crofton
• Zachary Leinemann, 18, of Crofton

Authorities said the suspects, all members or associates of a Salisbury fraternity, used social media to lure the victim “under false pretenses” to an off-campus apartment in the 1400 block of University Terrace.

According to charging documents obtained by WBOC, Leinemann used the dating app Grindr to pose as a 16-year-old and eventually invited the victim to the apartment under the guise of sex.

According to police, numerous college-aged men surrounded the victim as he entered the apartment on Oct. 15 and forced him to sit on a chair in the middle of the living room.

Officials said the suspects kicked, punched and spit on the victim while calling him derogatory names.

Authorities said the victim tried to escape several times but was thrown to the ground each time he attempted to escape.

The attack lasted several minutes, police said.

According to officials, the victim suffered a broken rib and bruises all over his body.

The Salisbury University Police Department reported the case to the Salisbury Police Department on October 31.

Investigators said they met with witnesses and viewed cellphone videos of the attack.

Officials said the suspects were charged with first-degree assault, false imprisonment, reckless endangerment and related hate crime charges.

Lepre wrote a letter to the college community on Tuesday informing them of that day's arrests. Lepre said: “The thought of SU students committing crimes of such a disturbing nature is truly horrific.”

“Moments like this are extremely difficult to communicate,” Lepre said. “As the president of the university, a resident of this community and the mother of two college students, the right words come to mind – they seem unable to fully express the weight of shock and disbelief we all share.”

Lepre confirmed that the suspects were all Salisbury University students and some were fraternity members.

“I have come to appreciate more and more the warmth, compassion and acceptance that defines this community we have built together,” Lepre said. “These actions do not reflect the SU I know and love. A place where everyone should feel safe and free from harm. A place where violence is unacceptable.”

Lepre urged community members to “let the investigative process proceed without speculation,” because “our institution believes in due process and the right to a fair investigation.”

“Acts of violence against LGBTQ+ and Ally communities are not only destructive, but also contradict the principles of community, respect and belonging that hold us together as a university,” Lepre said.

Police ask anyone with information about this assault or similar crimes to call (410) 548-3165. Tipsters can remain anonymous by dialing (410) 548-1776.