10 CU frat pledges arrested
By Vanessa Miller, Daily Camera
Published February 19, 2008 at 7:32 a.m.
Updated February 19, 2008 at noon
Boulder's Delta Chi Fraternity has been placed on suspension after 10 pledges were arrested over the weekend in Estes Park on suspicion of causing up to $10,000 in damage to two Super 8 Motel rooms. Those arrested include from top left: Andrew Sapiro, Anthony Cronin, Lukas Feyh, Nicholas Mortimer, Kyle Maltz, Britt Cherster, Kyle Jungels, Matthew Bowen and William Martin.
Boulder's Delta Chi Fraternity has been placed on suspension after 10 pledges were arrested over the weekend in Estes Park on suspicion of causing up to $10,000 in damage to two Super 8 Motel rooms.
Estes Park police were called to the motel about 2:30 a.m. Sunday and found large holes in the walls of two connected rooms, blood and vomit everywhere, destroyed furniture and a coffee pot filled with urine, according to a police report.
Officers said all the University of Colorado students were underage and suspected to have been drinking alcohol. They were arrested on suspicion of felony criminal mischief and underage drinking, and they were taken to the Larimer County Detention Center in Fort Collins.
A representative of the Iowa-based Delta Chi Fraternity Inc.'s national headquarters is due to arrive in Boulder today to investigate the chapter and the men, ages 18 to 20, who are suspected in the vandalism, said Karl Grindel, assistant executive director of the headquarters.
"The chapter has been placed on suspension pending the outcome of the investigation," Grindel said.
Grindel said he doesn't know yet whether violations were committed at the chapter level, the individual level or both.
"We are trying to do our best to determine that," he said. "But this is not behavior that Delta Chi condones."
Boulder's Interfraternity Council is leaving the investigation of the pledges to the national headquarters and focusing its attention on possible violations at the chapter level, said Marc Stine, a Greek advocate hired by the council.
"The Interfraternity Council will review Delta Chi and what role it played in the incident," he said.
Sanctions for the Boulder fraternity chapter could range from a warning to a fine to expulsion from the council, Stine said.
The individual men face possible sanctions from Boulder's fraternity chapter, the national headquarters, CU's Office of Judicial Affairs and police, Stine said.
"They could be looking at four different places of consequences, not including their parents," he said. "So that's five, I guess."
The group was in Estes Park for a weekend "planning retreat," Stine said.
"My understanding is that it wasn't an initiation-type thing, but a planning, getting-to-know-each-other thing," he said.
The pledges — new members who must go through a probation period before being initiated into the fraternity — were dropped off at the hotel by other fraternity brothers, according to police.
Damage police reported finding in the rooms included a large hole in the wall; ceiling fans that were ripped down and torn apart; destroyed lamps; ruined pictures; heating units that were ripped off the wall and torn apart; shower curtains and rods that were pulled down; phones that were broken into pieces; vomit and blood on various surfaces; tables that were in pieces; a shattered mirror; a broken dresser; a coffee pot that had urine in it; and other ruined furniture.
Officers said they collected cell-phone cameras that the suspected vandals used to capture pictures and video of the trashed rooms.
Police said among those arrested were William Martin, 19; Britt Chester, 19; Kyle Jungels, 18; Anthony Cronin, 19; Andrew Sapiro, 19; Matthew Bowen, 19; Nicholas Mortimer, 18; Lukas Feyh, 20; and Kyle Maltz, 18.
John Cordsen of the Estes Park Trail-Gazette contributed to this report.
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February 19, 2008
7:59 a.m.
Suggest removal
jackwoehr writes:
I beg to differ, Earl. That's what happens when kids who were raised in "zero tolerance" are expected to act like adults.
If the authoritarian, "it's-for-the-children" school system teachs kids to blindly acquiesce to petty authority, to swallow obvious lies without demur, and never to think for themselves, what happens when they get to college and don't have that ring in their nose?
This isn't the Republic of Boulder culture: had it been, the students would have been smoking pot and holding a drum circle in the motel room while sweet hippie chicks danced!
No, this was imperial-ruling-class, alcohol-pixilated, twighlight-of-democracy frat boy culture.
February 19, 2008
8:07 a.m.
Suggest removal
farsidefan writes:
I have had enough of the trashing of CU as an institution. This has more to do with the atmoshpere of the fraternity system than CU. CU students are terrific young people. Sure, they have a group like all colleges that think they are there to party and not study.
I wonder how many of these kids involved were from out of state.
Yes, my son went to CU so I am a bit biased. Before you jump all over me with " liberal, granola eating, etc. " know that he is a Major in the Air Force thanks to the education he received at CU.
How about all the terrific scientists up there? What about the numbers of students who went on to become astronauts, doctors, teachers,etc
You folks just like to throw stones.
February 19, 2008
8:09 a.m.
Suggest removal
roadstar writes:
EARL, "the authoritarian, 'it's-for-the-children' school system teachs kids to blindly acquiesce to petty authority, to swallow obvious lies without demur, and never to think for themselves" doesn't exist in my school system. These kids are responsible for their own hole, and I bet a lot of alcohol contributed to their lack of judgement.
February 19, 2008
8:11 a.m.
Suggest removal
Gandalf writes:
More typical screed from the likes of Earl. He never can get past the "blame everything on liberals" bias. I doubt the thought ever got past his Fox News-addicted brain that this kind of ridiculous behavior is commonplace at just about every college in the country...even at such conservative bastions such as Brigham-Young.
February 19, 2008
8:13 a.m.
Suggest removal
ramz writes:
This is not a CU problem. It actually isn't a Frat problem; they just happen to have a name associated to a group of young adults. This is a college problem period. This is happening at CSU, CU, UNC, CC, etc. All over the country.
DO NOT associate this with one school or one city.
February 19, 2008
8:18 a.m.
Suggest removal
rickg19611 writes:
They should claim it was just "Performance Art" and Boulder will defend them forever.
February 19, 2008
8:34 a.m.
Suggest removal
Kslayer writes:
Hey, I got an Idea! Why don't we turn this into a racial thing. Lets start bashing white people! That seems to always be the case when there is trouble involving Mexicans.
February 19, 2008
8:53 a.m.
Suggest removal
sls writes:
in the past two years there has been more problems with CU. I think they should lock down the doors. What an embarrassment to Colorado
February 19, 2008
8:55 a.m.
Suggest removal
dgodrummer writes:
Sad enough this group of young boys had to join a surrogate family that insists on them degrading themselves prior to joining. Anything in excess is bad... money, power, sugar, exercise, work, laziness... they're excess was self degradation mixed with alcohol, multiplied by the yearning to be liked by older boys that are no role model themselves = rebellion and destruction.
yes I do believe excess alcohol and frats are a bad mix. But so is excess alcohol and anything.
Throw the book at 'em! Maybe they can learn something from their suffering; hope it's not about more drinking.
February 19, 2008
8:55 a.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
Kslayer, is it that you don't see the difference between illegals destroying America and a bunch of young kids out on their own for the first time?
I first became aware of the frat, sorority mentality 25 years ago when my older sister joined up with the tri-deltas in Boulder. I know I'll get slammed for this, but there is a privileged pattern of thinking in these organizations that seems to make these kids think they can "get away with".
Frats/sorority have a party atmosphere. It's been that way for a long time and will probably be that way for a long time.
February 19, 2008
9:02 a.m.
Suggest removal
Mytoocents writes:
Wow Jackwoehr, Are you sure you weren't there? You sound like you know each of these individuals very well. After all, seem to know each of them were brought up in a "zero tolerance" environment. Are you suggesting that kids raised in an "any thing goes" environment will always act appropriately as adults. This has nothing to do with CU or Frats just "kids" with a complete disregard of respect for other people (Super 8 Motel)a sad trend I have observed in our youth. Probably those dang "zero tolerance" parents.
February 19, 2008
9:07 a.m.
Suggest removal
buffalo_flyer writes:
Delta Chi's have always been bad apples, Make them pay for the damage, chalk it up to mistakes we all make when we're young and move on,
Quit overthinking it
February 19, 2008
9:10 a.m.
Suggest removal
buffsblg writes:
Well of course it is totally unheard of for a group of 20 something year old young people to drink and then do stupid stuff. That could only happen in Boulder. Come on people, this happens at every college. Even the service academies have had these kinds of issues in the past, and certainly no "culture of tolerance" exists there. Those who think this is new or limited to one place are kidding themselves. Kids have done this forever and will continue too do so in certain situations. It is hardly evidence of the decline of civilization, just more evidence that the human brain is not fully developed until well into our twenties.
February 19, 2008
9:11 a.m.
Suggest removal
American100 writes:
Put them to work at the hotel. Don't pay them just let them experience the thrill of cleaning up after other people.
February 19, 2008
9:22 a.m.
Suggest removal
aeb1barfo writes:
The similarities to Animal House are interesting....
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077975/
At a 1962 College, Dean Vernon Wormer is determined to expel the Delta House Fraternity, but those roughhousers have other plans for him.
Dean Wormer is up there laughing....
" Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it "
-Santayana
February 19, 2008
9:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
temurlan writes:
What goes through one's mind as they perform this kind of sensless behavior and destruction? Or more important, what doesn't? Maybe a complete lack of any thought of personal responsibility.
February 19, 2008
11:19 a.m.
Suggest removal
aeb1barfo writes:
" aeb1barfo, the quote you provide has taken on many forms over the years. Santayana actually said:
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
That is one of the difficulties of translation from classical Spanish to English. I speak several languages, do you?
You get a better feel for the culture when you do. The words have more " punch " in the original language...
THIS is an example of what a REAL College education will give you.
Not a " Best PARTY campus " like Boulder CU....
Which does have a few " Animal House " type problems...
February 19, 2008
12:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
timeandagain writes:
Can somebody tell me why Bruce Benson has any interest in taking over this sinking ship of CU fools??!!
These morons were probably just blowing off a little steam after attending the anti-Benson rally to express their "conscientious objections" to his presidency at their bottom-rung institution!
February 19, 2008
12:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
RoseDesiree writes:
As a sorority alumni I have seen many a crazy, stupid party, but it simply comes down to the individual... Always will... Yes, this does happen everywhere, but anyone on here saying the CU Boulder is not known nationally as a party school is lying to themselves. And yes, it does produce great members of society, but it also attracts kiddos that just wanna party. Either their parents can afford to send them there or they find the money somehow, but even I, years and years ago as a middle schooler/high schooler I knew this... It's not going to change over night, but I do believe that change needs to be made. I am tired of hearing BS like this from CU over and over again.
February 19, 2008
1:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
sam writes:
I'm becoming convinced that there is a segment of the teenage popluation who choose CU because of its designation as a party school. There's got to be a way for the school to get those students to act more appropriately. I didn't see in the article that a possible consquence was expulsion from the school. That kind of behavior shouldn't be tolerated. I remember house and hotel room parties in high school and college, when myself and my friends definitely didn't know what our drinking limit was, and I don't remember one instance where property was damaged on purpose. Frat's create a mob mentality, and I'm sure the pledges knew the reputation of the frat before pledging, and felt that the lack of respect for someone else's property would impress others. The kids should be expelled, and the frat should be demolished! (Frats in general shouldn't be allowed, they breed cliques and bullying.) This would send a message.
February 19, 2008
1:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
ProudandRespectful writes:
GWM- In your attempt to be condescending to the sorority member, you failed. She is an alumna.
I am an alumnus of the Delta Chi Fraternity and I can tell you that these students are not representative of the caliber of men that have traditionally been pledged and initiated into my fraternity. These hoods need to be disassociated from the Chapter immediately and permanently and the active brothers need to go through a refresher couse in RUSH (the formal recruitment in the Greek system). They are obviously rushing the wrong kinds of people. I hope they figure out how to perform some damage control before they mar the name of our sacred fraternity any further. I am disgusted at this behavior and will withhold all financial support of the fraternity until I am confident that this Chapter has learned from its mistakes and made a public apology to the business owners and the alumni of the national fraternity.
February 19, 2008
2:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
Zinnia79 writes:
I agree with RoseDesiree. This type of drunken behavior is dependent on the individuals not where they go to school. You take a bunch of young kids, put them in a room with alcohol by themselves, shake it all up...this is what you get. It's kinda of humorous...urine in the coffee pot..ha, ha..I hope they threw that pot away.
February 19, 2008
2:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
rmnreader writes:
How about the parents of these little brats teaching some respect for themselves, other people and property?! I partied in college too but never would have thought of doing anything so destructive because my parents would have had my a**. I was a property manager in Boulder from about the age of 22 to 25. I saw a lot of these little rich kids destroy property knowing that mommy & daddy would bail them out with little or no consequence. Therefore I hope legal action is taken against these kids because obviously the parents discipline has not taught them anything.
February 19, 2008
5:09 p.m.
Suggest removal
fww48 writes:
I wonder what that value is gained by naming the young men. Let them face the music for their actions, but do not ruin their lives.
February 19, 2008
5:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
Rangerjoe1 writes:
Okay this is pledge week in Boulder, to get into this frat you must. 1. Get stupid drunk in a motel not in Boulder
2. Piss in a coffee pot. ( Now that a new one)
3. Puke all over each other, while busting holes in the wall to other pledges room
4. If you can get arrested and in the papers you are automatically IN.
CONGRADULATION NEW MEMBERS OF DELTA CHU FRATURNATY
February 19, 2008
8:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
montanarose writes:
Hey, good work, guys! Just think: a few years from now when you (presumably) graduate from CU -- assuming that they keep you, of course -- and apply for your first job, or for admission to law school, medical school, business school or whatever, and your would-be employer or grad school admissions office Googles you, imagine their surprise. They'll find your dumb-looking mugs, together with a story about your irresponsible behavior, and say to themselves: "I don't THINK so!"
February 19, 2008
9:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
jnelsondenver writes:
Why is this b--- sh-- even in the paper? When I checked in, I was looking for news about the double murder in Thornton - serious news that was worthy of being reported. Instead, I got a bunch of b.s. about a fraternity prank, complete with mug shots of the alleged wrongdoers. You wonder why readers are abandoning the newspapers - it's because of garbage like this. Leave the tabloid b.s. to the publications at the supermarket checkout, who are much better at it than you are. Report serious stories, and treat them with the respect they deserve.
I invite anyone who disagrees - or agrees - to contact me.
John G. Nelson
837 E. 17th Avenue
Denver, CO 80218
303/210-9260
February 19, 2008
9:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
Roll_Tide writes:
I WANT TO PARTY WITH THOSE GUYS!!!
February 19, 2008
9:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
timeandagain writes:
John,
Is that like a "let's take this outside" kind of gauntlet you are throwing down? Or are you just inviting the public to write you letters and stuff? I can say it here and save myself a stamp...
This is not a "tabloid b.s." story under any scenario. The tabloids couldn't care less about a bunch of underachieving, nobody CU students that torn up a couple of motel rooms. It is not interesting in the least in a "tabloid" sort of way. This is a story that is ONLY appropriately placed in a local newspaper. (Much the same way your "double murder in Thornton" news story would be a local newspaper story - and I am guessing that you found the info you were looking for on that story after you finished reading and passionately posting about this one).
Are you related to one of these punks? Or are you a proud CU grad that is tired of being ashamed by your school? What is your passion about with this story? My point is, come clean with your own perspective before making stupid and incorrect statements regarding this story's newsworthiness... Because, simply put, it is newsworthy under any journalistic standard and you are plainly a fool to say otherwise.
There... now I won't need to come over to your house and fight you....
February 19, 2008
10:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
michelleee05 writes:
propaganda
February 19, 2008
10:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
michelleee05 writes:
ha, ha people of the Delta Chi fraternity need to stop saying that it wasn't a "pledge ritual". What builds more brotherhood than going through something like this immediately after meeting?
February 20, 2008
12:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
happymike44 writes:
I live in a southern college town.These rich spoiled boys are all the same.The house across from me sold to the parents of a group of these spoiled overpriveledged kids.Then every weekend for 2 years,we had these young men hold us hostage.Drunken partying all hours of the night and day.Starting friday night and ending sunday night at midnight give or take an hour.cars and garbage vomit and urine everywhere.The parents introduced all of us to their attorney.So we were held hostage.Well finally the parent sold the house after the boys left college.So these boys should pay for their crime as far as I am concerned.Maybe the judge could make them clean up and repair the rooms of their destruction.Also let them carry a sign reading I am a vandal.Might change the view they have of the world.I thinke the parent should pay for all the damages as well.My niece started a reading group while in college.This helped kids who had no books and were poor to learn to read and give them a library to go to and read.Also help them to learn to read.Now that is a true giving person.These boys could learn from the millions of good kids.The difference between her and these boys is her parents divorced or not, taught her a sense of giving.I think these boys have missed the point of college.So what do you think.I also don't believe in this kind of attitude towards the rest of us.
February 20, 2008
7:02 a.m.
Suggest removal
Eric writes:
That one student on the left/middle looks like Harry Potter! Dumbledorf is going to be pissed!
February 20, 2008
8:55 a.m.
Suggest removal
rmnreader writes:
Hey fww48 - "do not ruin their lives"
That kind of thought process is exactly why these kids think they can get away with this. THEY are ruining their own lives - we are doing nothing to them except making them take responsibility for their harmful actions - the same thing we expect to happen to other vandals, robbers, drunk drivers, etc. Something their parents should have done a long time ago.
February 20, 2008
10:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
Eric writes:
I think we should Tee-Pee John Nelson's house!
February 20, 2008
10:47 a.m.
Suggest removal
Eric writes:
John Nelson, What is your bank account # and Social Security # as well. Thanks!
February 20, 2008
11:24 a.m.
Suggest removal
rickg19611 writes:
Ah yes.... these guys represent the future. CU should be proud. It continues to be in the news for it's "achievements".
February 22, 2008
11:21 a.m.
Suggest removal
robbert writes:
I really can't believe people writing in here are actually grown adults. Are you all just old and bitter? I believe these KIDS should have to pay for the damages, and clean up the mess they made. From the looks of things they had enough fun tearing the place apart, and they should see how much fun it is to put back together. These kids are making mistakes, and they will learn from them. They are by no means bad people. I suggest everyone get off their "high horse" and stop being so judgemental. These are good kids, they have worked hard for their grades to make it to a school like CU. They made a mistake and TRUST me they are having a hard enough time at is dealing with all the media attention. All of you passing judgements about parenting skills of the kids, and the amount of money they come from should be ashamed of yourselves. All you read is a little 5 column story and you think you have the right to make all these obscene remarks.
Just so everyone knows the media had a little too much fun explaining what was in the coffe pot, it was beer.