Damning text messages from Penn State fraternity brothers emerged during the preliminary hearing for those charged in the death of 19-year-old student Timothy Piazza after a night of hazing. Eighteen Beta Theta Pi fraternity brothers were charged in connection with Piazza’s death—and prosecutors alleged the text messages prove they were trying to cover up what happened that night and coordinate their stories.

Read: Hearing For Penn State Fraternity Brothers Charged In Hazing Death Resumes

“I don’t want to go to jail for this,” a former fraternity member allegedly texted his girlfriend.

“Drink hazing can send me to jail,” another text from the member allegedly read. “I think we are f*****.”

Text messages from other members proved equally as condemning.

“When they see the video footage of the obstacle course we will be done,” a text alleged read.

“What times did they take tape of?” another member allegedly asked.

“Nah, they took tapes from 7 to 9:30 a.m,” texted another.

“F*** yes,” a member responded. “We should be good.”

“Make sure the pledges clean the basement and get rid of any evidence of alcohol,” said one.

“Make sure the pledges keep quiet about last night and this situation,” another read.

Prosecutors also alleged that one of the brothers searched “How would nine drinks in an hour affect a 200-pound guy?” on the internet.

Piazza died in February after a hazing ritual known as “the gauntlet” that involved consuming mass quantities of alcohol. In surveillance video from the fraternity house taken that night, Piazza can be seen in deteriorated condition falling down a flight of stairs more than once. Testimony combined with video evidence revealed that none of the members called 9-1-1 for more than 12 hours.

The preliminary hearing for 16 of the 18 brothers continued Tuesday. More than 850 charges were leveled against the members and the organization itself, which has since been kicked off campus. A judge will use the hearing to decide whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. Should the case be tried, some of the members could face up to 20 years in prison.

Read: Timothy Piazza’s Family Says Fraternity Members ‘Left Him For Dead’ During Hazing

“They left him for dead,” Piazza’s father told radio station New Jersey 101.5 FM in June. “They treated him like roadkill and a ragdoll throughout the night and they were just not good guys.”

RELATED STORIES