Four band members arrested for “Clones” hazing

FAMU police arrested four Marching 100 members for an alleged hazing incident that occurred around September 1, 2011. Denise Bailey, Brandon Benson, Hakeem Birch and Anthony Mingo were booked for misdemeanor hazing and taken to the Leon County Jail on Thursday.

Bailey, Benson, and Birch left custody after posting $500 bonds. Mingo posted a bond of $1,500 due to the fact that he also faces charges for possessing marijuana and paraphernalia.

Officers charged the students with hazing five Marching 100 members who attempted to join the unauthorized “Clones” group associated with the clarinet section. The arrest report states that the pledges were slapped, punched, and paddled at Benson and Birch’s residence.

FAMU police launched their investigation into this alleged hazing incident on November 15 after receiving a report from former Director of Bands Julian E. White. It is not connected with Robert Champion homicide that took place on November 19 in Orlando, Florida.

Photo credit: WFTV Eyewitness News (ABC) in Orlando.