Fraternity party ends in citations

By RACHEL HANSON
and TIM SWIFT
Collegian Staff Writers

Twenty minors were cited for underage drinking early Saturday morning at Theta Chi fraternity, 523 S. Allen St., and charges of furnishing to minors are expected to be filed against the fraternity, according to a State College Police Department press release.

Undercover Pennsylvania Liquor Control Enforcement officers entered the party and observed at least one minor drinking a can of beer provided by the fraternity, said Lt. Diane Conrad of the State College police. A search warrant later was obtained from District Justice Daniel Hoffman.

Members of Theta Chi would not comment about the incident. Interfraternity Council President Brad Nestico said the fraternity had not been unfairly targeted and the police were doing their job.

"Police have a responsibility. Whether they're doing their job fairly or unfairly, it's not my job to say," Nestico said.

Matt Ridgeway (sophomore-psychology) attended the party but left shortly before police took action at 2 a.m.

"The party was winding down and everyone was leaving," he said. Beer was no longer being served by fraternity members at that time, he added.

Ridgeway described the scene as nothing out of the ordinary; even though there was a live band playing, the noise level wasn't extreme. The outside of the fraternity house was quiet and few people were on the street, Ridgeway said.

Measures were taken by the fraternity to screen party-goers, such as a signature list and the checking of Penn State IDs, Ridgeway said.

The identification process would not necessarily have prevented officers from entering the party. Earlier this month, State College Police Chief Tom King said undercover police officers may use Penn State ID cards to enter parties.

The party at Theta Chi was a registered IFC event and its house checkers had visited the house at some point during the night, said Prince Thomas, IFC investigation chair.

Last December, IFC passed measures that would help prevent police incidents at fraternities. One of the bylaws states IFC house checkers have the option to check all functions in order to ensure IFC regulations are followed.

Many students have had to go through such measures and disagree with the apparent increase in police presence since the July 12 riot.

"When you step out onto the street, you feel like you're in some crime-ridden city," Ridgeway said. "I think it's pathetic that (police) go to such lengths for people just drinking."

In an attempt to prevent alcohol-related crime and other problems on previous weekends, Conrad said State College police have used extra staffing from area police departments.

In the past, State College police have relied on the help of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board's enforcement officers.

"But this year, because of increased tension, we've had (PLCB) out more," Conrad said.

Of the 36 minors at the party, the majority were Penn State students. Ambulances were summoned for one adult man and one underage woman, who were unresponsive from alcohol use, according to the press release.