Robert Champion FAMU hazing defendant, Brian Jones, avoids jail, gets 2 years probation

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Brian Jones

/ WKMG

(CBS/AP) ORLANDO, Fla. - The first of a dozen defendants to be sentenced in last year's hazing death of Florida A&M drum major Robert Champion has avoided jail time but will spend more than two years under close supervision.

PICTURES: Florida A&M Hazing Case

Brian Jones, 23, was sentenced at the hearing Monday to six months of community control, which puts strict limits on his freedom and requires frequent check-ins with probation officials. Following that, he'll serve two more years of probation. He's also required to perform 200 hours of community service.

Jones entered a no-contest plea Oct. 9 after initially pleading not guilty.

In agreeing to the plea deal, Judge Marc Lubet said Jones' role in Champion's death was relatively minimal. Lubet said Jones did not beat or hit Champion.

Champion died in November after being beaten by fellow band members during a hazing ritual aboard a bus parked outside an Orlando hotel after a football game.

Eleven other FAMU band members face felony hazing charges. Another band member faces a misdemeanor count for hazing.

Complete coverage of the Florida A&M hazing case on Crimesider