Update on Gamma Theta Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity - San Diego State University.
May 17, 2008

Out of a membership of approximately 60 individuals, six members of Theta Chi were arrested. We understand at least one of the six has been released without being charged. At this time, we don't know the charges, although it appears at least one may be for dealing, which is certainly a felony. We do not know whether the others were felonies or misdemeanors, or that they are even drug related.

Despite inferences in the media, we do not believe there was any bulk confiscation of illegal drugs at the Theta Chi House. We understand there may have been some psychedelic mushrooms, residue of a prescription drug in a plastic bag, and a shotgun. The allegation of "several hundred bags of cocaine found in a shed behind the Theta Chi Fraternity House" is patently false. "Several bags", not "several hundred", were reportedly seized in a shed behind an off-campus house rented to members of the Fraternity and owned by one of the parents.

As reported earlier, the National President, the Grand Chapter, and the International Headquarters, with the endorsement of the San Diego Alumni, immediately placed the chapter on suspension, pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Gamma Theta Alumni Association Board of Directors has held four emergency meetings in the interim. We have had three informal meetings with the San Diego State University administration, which were cautiously optimistic, but no conclusions have been reached. The University has assured us there will be due process; undoubtedly there will be additional meetings and we will be able to present our case. The University President, Dr. Stephen Weber, has graciously offered to meet with us.

In the search warrant, of which we have a copy, several widely circulated allegations were made.

It is alleged that "Kenneth Ciaccio... is a member of Theta Chi Fraternity that sells cocaine and runs a highly organized distribution organization out of the Theta Chi Fraternity..." We believe there is no evidence that this was an organized activity of the Fraternity, but rather the misguided action of a very few individuals.

It was further alleged that "... Fraternity members distribute drugs in an organized manner for the benefit of the Fraternity itself as opposed to being strictly a personal endeavor of several Theta Chi Fraternity members", and "... the Fraternity utilizes profits derived from the sale of drugs as income to pay Fraternity related expenses." The books of the undergraduate chapter have been carefully reviewed, and we believe there is no credible evidence that illicit funds have ever been used for fraternity activities.

In addition, it is alleged that the "...Fraternity requires younger or junior members to accompany older more senior members while they conduct drug transactions." We strongly contend there is no evidence of "apprentice" training, senior/junior, Big Brother/Little Brother or other tag teams of this nature, nor is it a "require(ment)" of the chapter.

The media has reported that illicit funds may have been contributed by the undergraduate chapter for the pending construction of the new fraternity house. I personally am responsible for accounting for funds received in the capital campaign, and can attest that no funds whatsoever have been contributed by any undergraduate members, that all funds have been donated by alumnus members only, and that all funds are properly accounted for, to the penny.

And to those of you who have made financial contributions to construction of the new house, please be assured none of that money has been spent to date. Every cent has been prudently and safely deposited in insured interest-earning accounts with commercial banks, and will not be released until the future is crystal clear and this matter is behind us.

At the request of the Gamma Theta Board, the International Headquarters completed a "chapter reorganization", a formal process when undergraduate chapters encounter problems or conflict.

The Executive Director and Immediate Past National President Dale Taylor, and Mike Mayer, Associate Executive Director, representing the International Headquarters, were in San Diego for the better part of the past week, and conducted the chapter reorganization, which involves a candid, one-on-one personal interview with each chapter member . Over a four day period, a total of 54 members were interviewed.

In the process, the six individuals arrested have been suspended, and where applicable evicted from the Fraternity House. A small additional number chose not to be interviewed, and voluntarily disassociated themselves from the chapter. A comparable number will graduate in the very near term, and were not interviewed.

Following the interviews, a total of 47 Brothers were selected to remain within the chapter in good standing. Brothers Taylor and Mayer reported that they were impressed with the character, quality and scholastic abilities of these individuals. All parties interviewed, and those suspended, have been officially notified in writing by the International Headquarters
While this is rather lengthy, I strongly felt it need to be stated. In preparing it, I have endeavored to be as accurate and objective as possible. Certainly there is nothing confidential contained herein, and nothing unfit for public consumption. Please feel free to circulate it as you deem appropriate.

And finally, I respectfully ask that you withhold judgement until this matter is fully resolved.

Fraternally,

David E. DeVol
Gamma Theta '59
Past National President,
Theta Chi Fraternity