First defendant in FAMU hazing case sentenced

Kyle Hightower, Associated Press

Robert Champion performs with Florida A&M University's Marching 100 band during halftime of a football game in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 19. Champion died later that day.

Brian Jones entered a no-contest plea
His role in the hazing death of Robert Champion was minimal
Eleven other FAMU band members face felony charges

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

Brian Jones 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.

The 23-year-old from Florida had entered a no-contest plea Oct. 9 to a third-degree felony charge after initially pleading not guilty.

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

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