Arrests made in Fort Valley State hazing investigation involving marching band; band suspended ahead of homecoming weekend

Fort Valley State University confirmed arrests in a hazing case involving its Blue Machine Marching Band. The band remains suspended as the school conducts its own review.

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Fort Valley State University says arrests have been made in connection with a hazing investigation involving the Blue Machine Marching Band.

In a statement posted Thursday on Facebook, the university said the City of Fort Valley Police Department concluded its criminal investigation and “has found sufficient evidence to support charges of hazing. As a result, arrests have been made in connection with the case.”

The university said it is also conducting an independent administrative investigation “in accordance with FVSU policy, USG policy and the Stop Campus Hazing Act.”

“The ongoing process is comprehensive and involves additional steps beyond the investigation,” the statement said. “Until the process is complete, the band will remain under suspension and will not perform this weekend.”

The university added: “We understand the seriousness of this situation and the impact it has on our community, particularly during Homecoming season. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of all our students and the entire Wildcat community.”

41NBC has repeatedly requested information from Fort Valley State University’s Office of Marketing and Communications, FVSU Police, and Fort Valley Police Chief DJ Flores since last week. FVSU Police provided an incident report that confirmed the case had been turned over to Fort Valley police but provided no additional information. As of Thursday morning, neither the university nor city police have directly responded to 41NBC’s requests for comment.

FVSU said it will provide additional updates as its internal investigation continues.

The football team (1-3, 1-1 SIAC) hosts Central State Saturday at 1 p.m.