In Maryland, twelve college students have been charged after claims that they used social media to entice a man to an apartment, where they attacked him.

The Salisbury Police Department initially revealed charges against seven students from Salisbury University in a statement on Tuesday, following the incident that took place in October. Another update was issued on Thursday, including five additional students allegedly involved.

Authorities stated that the investigation showed the man was singled out by these students “because of his sexual preferences.”

Salisbury University is situated on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, over 100 miles southeast of Baltimore.

Police alerted to the alleged attack at off-campus housing

On Halloween, the university’s police contacted the Salisbury Police Department regarding an assault that took place at an off-campus apartment designated for college students, as reported in their release.

Detectives interviewed witnesses and viewed footage on a cell phone that depicted multiple college-aged men attacking a man, according to the Salisbury Police Department’s announcement.

After identifying the victim, detectives met with him to gather details.

Suspects are said to have verbally and physically abused the victim for several minutes

The victim, who is not affiliated with Salisbury University, reported that the assault occurred on October 15.

He explained that a group of men contacted him through social media under false pretenses, inviting him to their home. Upon arrival, he was surrounded and forced to sit in a chair in the living room.

They began kicking, punching, and spitting on him while hurling “derogatory names,” according to police.

The victim attempted to leave several times but was thrown to the ground each time. Authorities reported that the assault lasted several minutes, resulting in him seeking medical assistance, where he was diagnosed with bruises and a fractured rib.

Police indicated that the investigation confirmed the victim was targeted because of his sexual preferences.

Video evidence of the assault prompts multiple arrests

Initially, investigators identified seven men allegedly involved in the attack. These include:

• Zachary Leinemann, 18
• Bennan Aird, 18
• Cruz Cespedes, 19
• Elijah Johnson, 19
• Riley Brister, 20
• Dylan Earp, 20
• Ryder Baker, 20

On Thursday, authorities revealed that five additional individuals faced charges, including:

• Cameron Guy, 18
• Jacob Howard, 19
• Patrick Gutierrez, 19
• Dylan Pietuszka, 20
• Eric Sinclair, 21

These individuals have been charged with first-degree assault, false imprisonment, reckless endangerment, and hate crimes.

Each suspect was processed at the Salisbury Police Department and later taken to the Wicomico County Detention Center.

Defense attorneys claim the victim sought sex from someone he believed to be a minor

James L. Britt, representing Leinemann, stated to YSL News that the victim attempted to solicit sex from someone he thought was a minor.

“In our justice system, everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty, following a trial that examines all pertinent facts,” Britt noted in an email. “Once all the information is available, it will be clear that this case is more about a grown man soliciting a child than sexual orientation.”

Steven W. Rakow, Brister’s attorney, echoed similar views, asserting that the incident was “not a hate crime.”

Rakow claimed the victim of the attack is over 40 and “arrived  intending to have sex with a 16-year-old.”

The age of consent in Maryland is 16 years, according to the People’s Law Library of Maryland.

“What exactly happened after he arrived remains uncertain as we don’t yet have any discovery materials from the state—no police reports, witness statements, or medical records verifying any injuries to anyone involved. The existence of a video has not been confirmed or shared with the defense, nor do we know who alerted police more than two weeks after the incident,” Rakow stated.

His client, Brister, was released on Wednesday and intends to plead not guilty. A preliminary hearing is set for December 6. By that time, Rakow anticipates having more information.

“The state will likely just present a law enforcement officer to read the probable cause statement,” Rakow predicted. “I expect that after cross-examination, the judge will find probable cause for the alleged felony and forward the case to circuit court for further proceedings.”

The Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office refrained from commenting on the claims on Friday.

It was unclear on Friday who is representing Cespedes, Earp, Baker, Guy, Howard, Pietuszka, and Sinclair. The Wicomico County Public Defender’s Office, representing Gutierrez and Johnson, did not respond to inquiries on Friday, nor did a lawyer for Aird.

University and fraternity respond to student arrests

On Wednesday afternoon, Salisbury University President Carolyn Ringer Lepre made a public response regarding the arrests.

In a message on Facebook, Lepre expressed that the Salisbury University community is experiencing a mix of “shock and disbelief.”

“I want to emphasize,” she stated. “We are deeply troubled by these allegations. I find these allegations troubling as well.”

Describing the alleged assault as “disturbing” and “horrifying,” Lepre highlighted that Salisbury University should be a safe environment for everyone. She declared that violence is “not acceptable.”

She urged the community members to allow the investigation to unfold without speculation.

Lepre mentioned that she has advocated for the university’s Office of Student Affairs to implement “appropriate interim suspension actions” according to university policies.

After authorities announced a second series of arrests, President Lepre made additional public statements on Thursday evening.

She referred to the attack as “an act of visceral hate,” emphasizing that violence directed at LGBTQ+ individuals and allies is “destructive” and does not reflect the values of the campus community, which holds respect in high regard.

“Even though these crimes were not committed against another student, the mere thought of them happening to anyone – irrespective of the situation – is upsetting,” she added.

Lepre indicated that she, along with other university officials, has met with members of the LGBTQ+ community to explore avenues for “healing as a community.” The university plans to set up a task force focused on LGBTQ+ inclusiveness.

She also announced that a unity walk and community vigil will take place on Monday.

In a Facebook post regarding the arrests, Lepre noted that some individuals involved are members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity on campus.

Lepre stated that the students implicated have been suspended, prohibiting them from accessing campus and attending any classes, whether in-person or online. Additionally, the fraternity has been suspended.

On Friday afternoon, Sigma Alpha Epsilon expressed disappointment in response to the accusations against former members in a statement.

“The behavior of these individuals contradicts the values of our organization and does not represent the principles outlined in our Fraternity’s creed, The True Gentleman,” the fraternity stated, noting that those involved have been expelled. They clarified that the Fraternity Service Center reviewed the situation and found it “isolated to the expelled individuals.”

The statement continued, “The remaining members of our chapter are committed to our mission and strive to uphold the high standards expected of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.”

Attorney Claims University ‘Jumped to Conclusions’

Rakow, who is acting on behalf of Brister, remarked that it is “regrettable” for Salisbury University to have made public statements and “jumped to conclusions by suspending these young men before confirming the facts about this incident.”

“It appears that due process is disregarded in academia,” he commented.

Authorities indicated on Thursday that the investigation is still ongoing.

They request that anyone with information about this incident or similar occurrences contact the Salisbury Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at (410) 548-3165 or report tips anonymously through Crime Solvers at (410) 548-1776.