Secret Service Agent and Two Others Charged in Near-Fatal Kappa Alpha Psi Hazing Case in Miami

A federal law enforcement officer and two associates face serious criminal charges stemming from a violent fraternity initiation ritual in the Miami area that left victims hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. The incident, linked to Kappa Alpha Psi, resulted in felony charges including hazing with a deadly weapon and attempted manslaughter.

The Charges and Arrests

Marquez Christopher Pinder, 29, who works as a Secret Service agent at the Miami field office, was arrested alongside two other men and charged with multiple felonies connected to a hazing incident occurring in April. Pinder held the position of "dean of pledges" for the Miami chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi at the time of the alleged abuse.

The three defendants face charges including felony hazing involving a deadly weapon, aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm, and attempted manslaughter. Pinder posted a $75,000 bond and faced arraignment before a judge on September 24, according to court records. Attorneys representing the other two men have not yet been identified in available court documents.

Nature and Severity of Injuries

Court documents filed by Miami-Dade County law enforcement detail the extent of the victims' injuries from what authorities describe as "prolonged and repeated beatings with canes and paddles." One victim, a University of Miami graduate student, sustained injuries requiring skin grafts to his backside and suffered kidney damage. The second victim required placement of a breathing tube to maintain his airway, injuries severe enough that authorities determined they could have been fatal without immediate medical treatment.

Agency Response and Investigation

The U.S. Secret Service confirmed that Pinder has served as an agent since 2023 and stated the agency is cooperating fully with investigators. Pinder has been placed on administrative leave pending completion of the investigation and judicial process. Michael Townsend, special agent in charge of the Miami field office, released a statement indicating that any misconduct will be addressed appropriately following the legal proceedings.

Katherine Fernandez Rundle, state attorney for Miami-Dade County, emphasized the severity of hazing as a criminal matter, noting that victims frequently suffer fatal or permanent consequences. Kappa Alpha Psi's national headquarters did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the incident or any disciplinary action toward the Miami chapter.