Three pledges from Sigma Chi Omega, the fraternity featured on the MTV reality-based television show "Fraternity Life," were arraigned Wednesday in Buffalo City Court for charges relating to a televised break-in at the Buffalo Zoo.
City Court Judge Philip Marshall arraigned Earl Altheide, Tim Kukulka and Stephen Paul on charges of criminal trespassing, a misdemeanor offense. The three allegedly broke into the Buffalo Zoo while being followed by MTV cameras.
After the incident aired on a March 26 episode of the show, The Buffalo Zoo chose to press criminal charges.
"The illegal actions taken by these three young men could have seriously endangered not only the zoo's animals, but the individuals involved," stated Buffalo Zoo President Donna Fernandes in an official statement from the zoo.
According to Buffalo City Court officials, the three pledges will return to court with their attorneys on April 30.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
