Pennsylvania cocaine trafficking case has ties to 2 fraternities

More than a dozen individuals were criminally charged on Monday for their alleged involvement in a cocaine-trafficking ring in Pennsylvania, involving two fraternities and university students. The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office reported that 14 defendants, mostly Penn State University students, were charged with various offenses, including felony corrupt organizations and conspiracy.

Four defendants faced charges of felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and other crimes, while a fifth was charged with felony conspiracy and other crimes. Eight other student-aged defendants were charged with misdemeanor counts, such as possession. One defendant, a parent of a student, was accused of tampering with evidence and obstructing the investigation.

At least four of the defendants were current students, and two were identified as the main suppliers, making regular trips to Philadelphia and New York to obtain large quantities of cocaine. This cocaine was then packaged at the Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon fraternity houses and distributed primarily to Penn State University students.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday emphasized the seriousness of the alleged conduct, stating that it was not "junior or childlike." He added that fraternity brothers were responsible for packaging the cocaine, and authorities found a pattern of pledges being indoctrinated into both fraternities through cutting and bagging drugs.

Delta Upsilon Executive Director Justin Kirk informed that the fraternity was aware of the allegations and took disciplinary action against those involved, with expelled or suspended individuals who did not resign. Sigma Chi headquarters in Illinois did not comment on the matter. All arraigned defendants facing felony charges appeared in court on Monday morning, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office.