The Utah State University chapters of a fraternity and a sorority face felony hazing charges in connection with the alcohol-poisoning death in November of an 18-year-old pledge, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.

According to charging documents filed by Cache County prosecutors, sorority members “captured” the pledge, Michael Starks, a freshman from Salt Lake City, and fed him vodka in the company of other fraternity and sorority members. Paramedics found Mr. Starks unresponsive at the Sigma Nu house at 4 a.m. on November 21, and medical examiners later determined his blood-alcohol level was more than four times the legal limit for driving.

Tony Baird, a prosecutor, told the newspaper that Mr. Starks was not forced to drink but that coercion was not an issue. For victims younger than 21, Utah’s hazing statute allows for conviction even if the victims consented to the abuse.

The students charged with misdemeanors could, if convicted, face a year in jail, while the consequences of the felony charges against the organizations are unclear. University officials have already suspended both chapters. —Charles Huckabee