Probation for N.J. man in alcohol-poisoning death

The last defendant in the alcohol-poisoning death of a Rider University fraternity pledge will not go to prison.

A judge sentenced Michael Torney to three years' probation. The 22-year-old Randolph, N.J., resident pleaded guilty to the disorderly-persons charge of hazing in October.

The Phi Kappa Tau president was charged even though he was not in the room at a party where Gary DeVercelly Jr. drank two-thirds of a bottle of vodka. The 18-year-old was from Long Beach, Calif.

Torney is expected to appear as a witness for a lawsuit filed by the freshman's parents. Two university administrators were also indicted in the case - but those charges were later dropped.

- AP