Secret Service agent is among three people charged in near-fatal fraternity hazing incident

A Secret Service agent was arrested on Sunday on charges that he participated in the hazing of a new fraternity member who was paddled so severely that he suffered kidney damage and nearly died, according to court records. 

Marquez Pinder, 29, who was based in South Florida, was booked into a Miami jail on felony charges of hazing, attempted manslaughter and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, the New York Times reported. Two other men who aren't Secret Service agents were also charged in the incident. 

According to an arrest warrant, the victim was identified as a University of Miami law student and the fraternity involved as Kappa Alpha Psi. The fraternity officially prohibits hazing. 

Pinder's defense lawyer, Justic Beckham, said that his client was "grossly overcharged." Beckham said Pinder has served his country "honorably, first in the military and then in the Secret Service," and they look forward to fighting the charges in court. 

The assaults took place on four occasions at off-campus apartments in April. A second victim had similar injuries, according to the warrant.