Penn State students and fraternity members charged in cocaine trafficking case
Fourteen individuals, including current and former Penn State students and two fraternity houses, have been charged with offenses ranging from felony drug trafficking to evidence tampering.
The Pennsylvania attorney general announced Monday that 14 people are facing charges linked to a cocaine-trafficking operation that operated primarily at two Penn State fraternity houses. Fourteen defendants include 13 students—four of whom remain enrolled at the university—two fraternity members and a student's father accused of tampering with evidence.
Prosecutors say the group sourced large quantities of cocaine from suppliers in New York and Philadelphia and cut and packaged the drug at the fraternity locations. Four defendants are charged with felony offenses such as corrupt organization, conspiracy and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, while others face misdemeanor counts for possession and paraphernalia.
"This was a coordinated and highly-profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers, and pledges," Attorney General Dave Sunday said at a news conference.
"Criminal activity, including hazing, such as this has no place at our institution, and we will cooperate with law enforcement in any way we can," Penn State vice-president for student affairs Andrea Dowhower said in a statement.
Delta Upsilon, placed on interim probation by the university, said individuals associated with the fraternity have been expelled, suspended or resigned and that it will cooperate with the investigation. Sigma Chi has not responded to requests for comment.