IOWA CITY, Iowa — Over 50 fraternity pledges were found blindfolded with food thrown at them in a potential hazing incident at the University of Iowa, arrest records show.
According to a criminal complaint, university police responded to a fire alarm at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity around 12:45 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 15. Police said they found 56 pledges blindfolded in the basement with food thrown at them.
A 21-year-old Riverdale man, Joseph Gaya, was arrested for interfering with official acts. Arrest records claim he stood in the doorway between police and the room full of pledges. He was asked twice to move and allegedly refused to do so.
Later, officers were speaking with two witnesses in a separate room when Gaya allegedly walked up and stood in between the officers and witnesses. When asked multiple times if he could step back, police said Gaya refused to move. Gaya allegedly told police during the encounter, "You can f***ing leave, how about that." Police said the witnesses told Gaya they were fine but that he persisted.
Fraternity members eventually told Gaya to leave the house. According to the arrest report, Gaya does not live at the fraternity house. His name did not pop up in the University of Iowa student directory; however, students are able to opt out of this.
News 8 has reached out to the University of Iowa's Office of Student Accountability for details on how the university is responding, along with confirming Gaya's enrollment status at the university. We are waiting to hear back.
News 8 also reached out to the national Alpha Delta Phi fraternity regarding the allegations. The chapter at the University of Iowa was just founded in 2023, according to ADP's website. They provided the following statement:
"The Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity is deeply disturbed by the recent hazing allegations involving our chapter at the University of Iowa. As a fraternity, we stand firmly against all forms of hazing. Our values are rooted in fostering respect, integrity, and responsibility in all aspects of life.
"Upon learning of the reports, Alpha Delta Phi immediately suspended the chapter and began a third-party investigation into the allegations. The fraternity and the chapter are fully cooperating with the local authorities and university officials."