They were once high flying actives at LSU's Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Now they've been expelled. Phi Delta Theta has been kicked off campus. And they're going to jail. 22-year-old Sean-Paul Gott and 20-year-old Ryan Isto were sentenced today in court in Baton Rouge.
Isto was once the roommate of Matthew Naquin, the driven fraternity member who was characterized at trial as engaging in harmful hazing activities that ultimately lead to the death of Max Gruber. Both Isto and Gott testified at Naquin's negligent homicide trial they observed Naquin hand of bottle of 190-proof alcohol to Gruber and ordered him to drink. Gruber later died of alcohol poisoning.
According to Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate, the charge both men pled guilty to was in effect at the time of the Gruver's death. Last year, Governor John Bel Edwards signed the Max Gruver Act into law along with a number of stricter anti-hazing laws meant to increase penalties and stop hazing activities at Louisiana colleges and universities.
Matthew Naquin, having been found guilt of negligent homicide, could face up to five years in state prison. Another Phi Delta Theta active, 22-year-old Patrick Andrew Forde, awaits his fate. He's been charged with hazing but has yet to be prosecuted.
Phi Delta Theta has been closed and expelled from LSU, they cannot make a return until 2033.