Salisbury, Maryland – Trial is underway for one of fifteen Salisbury University students accused of orchestrating a violent, hate-motivated assault that took place last fall. Eric Sinclair, who previously served as treasurer of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity chapter, stood before a judge Monday. The 21-year-old is facing charges of second-degree assault and false imprisonment connected to the October 15, 2024 incident. Investigators say Sinclair and the other students used a fake profile on the dating app Grindr to lure an adult victim to an off-campus apartment, pretending to be a 16-year-old boy. Once the man arrived, prosecutors allege he was beaten — punched, kicked, and even struck with a baking pan — by the group of students. Authorities believe the attack was fueled by the victim’s sexual orientation. Court spectators watched disturbing footage of the encounter, during which one person was heard calling the victim “a threat to society.” Sinclair’s defense maintains he did not participate in the attack but instead recorded it on video. His attorney argued there is no digital evidence linking him to the planning of the assault. Prosecutors, however, insist Sinclair was aware of the scheme. They described the incident as a targeted effort to mimic the television series To Catch a Predator. The trial is expected to last two days, with proceedings continuing Tuesday.
