FAMU Band Members to Plead “Not Guilty”

At least two FAMU band members charged yesterday with the hazing of another band member, plan to plead not guilty.

23-year-old Sean Hobson and 19-year-old Aaron Golson have been accused of hazing and battery to Bria Shante Hunter for the “Red Dawg Order,” some three weeks prior to the death of Robert Champion.  Police believe Champion died from hazing while on a trip in Orlando.

A third band member, James Harris, 22, has also been charged with hazing Hunter.

Through their attorneys, Golson and Harris said they would plead not guilty.  According to news reports, it is not clear how Hobson would plea.

At a hearing on Tuesday, bond in the amount of $2,000 was set for Harris, while a bond of $10,000 each was set for Hobson and Golson, ajc.com reports.

Champion, 26, a drum major for the FAMU band collapsed and died after the Florida Classic game in Orlando last month.  It is widely believed that he died from hazing.  Shortly after, Champion’s death, the Marching 100 band, one of the signature symbols of the Tallahassee university, was suspended and its director, Julian White fired.

A series of investigations, including one by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office are underway to confirm what led to Champion’s death.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is also investigating the case.