'Pledge Dad' Who Made Fraternity Member Drink Until He Suffered Brain Damage Is Sentenced to Prison

A former University of Missouri fraternity member, referred to in court documents as a “pledged father,” was sentenced to six months in prison for a 2021 hazing incident that left another student with injuries cerebral.

THE Daily column from Colombia reported that Ryan Delanty was handcuffed at the Boone County Courthouse on Friday, May 24, and taken to jail following his sentencing.

Delanty previously pleaded guilty on May 10 to one count of misdemeanor hazing and one count of serving alcohol to a minor, according to ABC affiliate KMIZ, in the case surrounding the commitment of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, Danny Santulli.

On October 20, 2021, Santulli, then 19, was hospitalized after being hazed during Phi Gamma Delta fraternity's “father reveal,” NBC affiliate KOMU reported. Santulli's blood alcohol content at the time was 0.486, more than six times the legal limit for operating a vehicle.

The incident left Santulli blind and also brain damaged, without the ability to speak, walk or respond.

In June 2022, Delanty and Thomas Andrew Shultz, both former members of Phi Gamma Delta, were indicted by a Missouri grand jury on criminal hazing charges for their involvement in the incident. They were also charged with misdemeanors for providing alcohol to a minor or intoxicated person.

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According to police at the time, Delanty and Shultz were seen in security camera footage forcing Santulli to consume alcohol.

Shultz pleaded guilty in April 2023 to one misdemeanor count of furnishing alcohol to a minor or intoxicated person, according to CBS affiliate KRCG. He was given a one-year suspended prison sentence.

Following the hazing incident, the University of Missouri announced in May 2022 that it was closing the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and that 13 students had been disciplined. The Associated Press reported that Santulli's family filed a civil suit against the fraternity and 23 members, which was settled in 2022.

Stephanie Fortus, Delanty's attorney, said of her client's May 10 plea deal, according to the AP: “Ryan understands the seriousness of the situation and he is pleased to reach a resolution that has avoided a trial.”

Members of Santulli's family were present at Delanty's sentencing hearing on May 24, with Santulli's father, Tom, stating, as reported by the Daily column from Colombia: “At the end of the day, no one supported each other and that’s what a fraternity is supposed to do.”

Santulli's mother, Mary, also said during the hearing that while her job as her son's full-time caregiver has been rewarding, “it's not the one I ever imagined myself having.” .

PEOPLE has reached out to Delanty's attorney, Fortus, and the Boone County District Attorney's Office for comment.