San Diego State University president Stephen Weber, left, speaks next to guns and drugs seized during the arrest of 96 people on drug charges at a news conference in San Diego on Tuesday. Seventy-five SDSU students and 21 non-students were arrested after an undercover investigation of the college drug ring. (Associated Press) Sell
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REGION: Drug probe at SDSU nets 75 students
By ALLISON HOFFMAN - Associated Press | ∞
San Diego State University president Stephen Weber, left, speaks next to guns and drugs seized during the arrest of 96 people on drug charges at a news conference in San Diego on Tuesday. Seventy-five SDSU students and 21 non-students were arrested after an undercover investigation of the college drug ring. (Associated Press) SAN DIEGO ---- When a 19-year-old freshman sorority member died a year ago from a cocaine overdose at San Diego State University, campus investigators set out to find out who was dealing drugs to their 34,000 students.
It turned out their targets were on Fraternity Row, where authorities say unassuming facades of houses emblazoned with Greek symbols concealed thriving networks that may have used profits to finance fraternity operations.
Undercover agents arrested 96 people, including 75 San Diego State students, during a five-month investigation into drug dealing on campus. Students at three fraternities were arrested.
Two suspects, brothers Linwood Mackey, 24, and Brandon Mackey, 21, come from a Poway family. Neither attended San Diego State.
Twenty-nine people were arrested early Tuesday in raids at nine locations, including the Theta Chi fraternity, where agents found cocaine, ecstasy and three guns. Eighteen of them were wanted on warrants for selling to undercover agents.
San Diego State suspended Theta Chi and five other fraternities Tuesday pending a hearing on evidence gathered during the investigation.
Some fraternity members made little effort to hide, authorities said.
One Theta Chi member allegedly sent text messages to regular customers offering reduced prices on bulk quantities of cocaine before heading to Las Vegas for a fraternity formal.
"Attn faithful customers both myself and my associates will be in Vegas this coming weekend," the 19-year-old student wrote in the text message. "So stock up, we will be back Sunday night."
One student who was arrested was a month away from a criminal justice degree. Another worked for the campus police department and was about to receive a master's degree in homeland security.
"A sad commentary is that when one of these individuals was arrested, they inquired as (to) whether or not his arrest and incarceration would have an effect on him becoming a federal law enforcement officer," said Ralph Partridge, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in San Diego.
The Greek system has about 3,000 students, but Fraternity Row plays an outsized role in campus life. It sits a block from Cox Arena, which is home to many college sporting events and, on Tuesday, was where investigators chose to interview many possible suspects.
Dale Taylor, national executive director of Theta Chi, said he was "obviously shocked and saddened" by the allegations. Theta Chi prohibited the San Diego chapter from group activities such as parties or sports activities and will investigate additional disciplinary measures, up to expulsion of members or the entire chapter.
The San Diego chapter, founded 61 years ago, was the first national fraternity on campus and has 65 members.
"They were on the upswing," Taylor said. "They had improved their recruitment. They were trying to raise money for a new house."
Theta Chi's San Diego chapter declined to comment. The chapter occupies two low-slung homes a block off Fraternity Row, with large red-and-white Greek symbols propped on the roof.
"We're talking to our advisers," said John Phillips, a past president of the chapter.
Theta Chi has 131 chapters in the U.S. and Canada and more than 161,000 initiates. It was founded in 1856.
University police launched their investigation into drug sales on campus after Shirley Poliakoff, 19, died from a cocaine overdose in May 2007. Investigators discovered many students in fraternities were aware of organized drug dealing within their houses.
As the investigation proceeded, another student, from Mesa College, died of a cocaine overdose at a San Diego State fraternity house on Feb. 26, the DEA said.
In April, prosecutors said, the 19-year-old Theta Chi student sent out his text message advising customers to "stock up" before the weekend because he would be in Las Vegas and unable to complete orders. Grams of cocaine were on sale for as little as $35.
More than 130 undercover drug buys were made at locations including fraternity houses, student parking areas and in student dormitories during the investigation by university police and the DEA, authorities said.
Authorities seized several guns, at least $60,000 in cash, marijuana, psychedelic mushrooms, hash oil, methamphetamine and illicit prescription drugs, the university said.
Two men pleaded not guilty to drug charges Tuesday in San Diego Superior Court ---- Patrick Hawley to selling cocaine and Omar Castaneda to possession of cocaine.
Some drugs bought and sold by students were traced to gangs linked to Mexican cartels, according to the DEA. Agents collected about $100,000 worth of drugs, including cocaine, Ecstasy pills, hallucinogenic mushrooms and high-grade marijuana that were being advertised in "resale quantities" between members of the fraternity and other students.
Students from two other fraternities, Phi Kappa Psi and Delta Sigma Pi, were among those arrested, according to Deputy District Attorney Damon Mosler.
Shawn Collinsworth, executive director of the national office of Phi Kappa Psi, said he was told by two of the San Diego State fraternity chapter's leaders that four of its members were arrested. He added the fraternity is cooperating with the investigation.
"It isn't behavior becoming of Phi Kappa Psi," Collinsworth said.
A phone message left with Delta Sigma Pi's national office after business hours was not immediately returned.
Staff writer Colleen Mensching contributed to this story.
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Allen wrote on May 6, 2008 10:47 PM:The vast majority of sellers weren't fraternity members and it seems the sellers were either dumb freshmen or older more sophisticated guys who lived off campus. I think the major traffickers weren't students and were older guys.
Drugs on college campuses wrote on May 6, 2008 10:52 PM:You have got to be kidding me! There are drugs on college campuses. When did this happen?
Great taken down as you stated Doctor Weber.
I am not pro drugs and I feel the bigger dealers should be hit but I don't think a kid's life should be ruined because he bought some pot to smoke on Friday night.
real wrote on May 6, 2008 11:18 PM:I am a student at SDSU and this shows the reality of many universities, did you notice almost all the students are white i guess that no undocumented students were involve since the media has not paid too much attention to it...
Girls Rule wrote on May 7, 2008 5:47 AM:to Allen: What's the difference? Does it matter??? It shows our law enforcement is as focused on the elitist frats as they are on dealers everywhere in San Diego County! My only question ~ did they look at the sororities?
Piqui wrote on May 7, 2008 6:19 AM:Throw the book at these junkie punks. Out of college and into the jail!
Randy wrote on May 7, 2008 6:34 AM:In Afghanistan, American troops refuse to destroy poppy fields because they don't want to upset tribal lords. Yet another Bush administration mixed message!
Billy wrote on May 7, 2008 6:35 AM: Having been one myself, most college students think that the move from high school to college makes them much smarter. They think that they can get away with anything. It is even worse with fraternities. It seems that a loss of common sense goes along with the move up a grade. Recovery comes with the busting of some of them - those that haven't developed a habit of the stuff, and don't get busted, and learn their lesson, still have a chance for a good life if they take heed.
Heartbroken wrote on May 7, 2008 8:45 AM:"It won't happen to me, I won't get caught." I have always heard "education is the answer." These educated adults made a bad choice...now as always there are consequences. One expecting to graduate with a masters degree in homeland security is on his way to prison instead...another majoring in criminal justice is probably on his way also. Thank you San Diego Police and DEA..you probbly saved a few young lives by taking these dealers off the street.
Just Say No wrote on May 7, 2008 8:53 AM:I think what's surprising is the openness in which they were dealing. At least when we were young and stupid we had the sense to be clandestine about it. Texting drugs for sale? And drugs are so potent nowadays, it has become much more sinister. Glad to see the crackdown to keep the drugs off campus. Now, stop the rampant alcoholism and pornography! Build character, not hedonism.
SDSU Again wrote on May 7, 2008 9:09 AM:San Diego State in the news again. First for rampant outbreak of STD's, now a drug bust...Whats next?!
LOL wrote on May 7, 2008 10:09 AM:@ SDSU Again...
Whats next? A new headline that will say "STD's and drug use go together like peanut butter and jelly." lol!
To Real wrote on May 7, 2008 10:23 AM:How annoying. Why is it that EVERY column in the NCT has to have one poster talk about undocumented people. This is about young people, most who are COLLEGE STUDENTS, who got busted for selling drugs out to the community. Unless you're doing some sociological research paper on this, the question of their documented or undocumented status doesn't matter. All arrested and all charged are just as bad, just as stupid, and just as criminal as the next one.
Paco wrote on May 7, 2008 12:09 PM:To Randy...There is a greater strategical move in not disrupting the poppy harvesting. The farmers rely on the small amount of money they receive for the harvest. The Taliban and drug dealers make the most of the money. Until the government provides these farmers with an alternative, the fields should not be destroyed. Destroying the only source of income would turn these farmers against the Afghan government and Coalition forces. The drugs could still be interdicted before it reaches the end user, but remember this is still a fledgling government that needs to work with the people and not against it. This is not a Bush mixed message. It is a well thought out Afghan government and Coalition plan. There are plans on providing alternative incomes to those who are planting poppies.
However, this is an external argument here. The trafficing and use of illegal drugs in the schools is the real problem here. We can all say that marijuana use shouldn't be illegal, but the fact remains that it is illegal and the laws should be enforced. It's the same way with illegal immigration as well.
People Lover wrote on May 7, 2008 12:34 PM:This has been going on for years and not just an upstart business, I've seen pictures of the drugs in faternity houses in LA and local children in those pictures. The Mothers would be shocked but then again maybe not. Most of the ones I knew are out of college now but I still see drug and alcohol references on their MySpace.
closetohome wrote on May 7, 2008 1:19 PM:Our family knows the family of the young lady who tragically died last year and 3 of the young men who were busted in this. Come from nice families who turned a blind eye to what was going on. If these parents took a stand and said "Look I know what is going on and won't stand idly by and watch you sell drugs that kill and then get arrested yourself." But it's too late now. They'll be doing some hard time, hopefully, and some drugs will be off the street, for now.
snerd wrote on May 7, 2008 1:45 PM:Keep in mind, almost all the political, sports and business leaders in this country are members of fraternities. For the most part fraternities help to turn out decent, highly accomplished citizens.
SDSU-Soph wrote on May 7, 2008 1:58 PM:This is giving the fraternities a bad rap which is dumb. Its not the fraternities its the people. Also I think its funny that this finding is such a big deal. Ive been to many parties at alot of other schools, and the same exact thing is going on. SDSU shouldnt be the only school getting a bad rap
dbaby wrote on May 7, 2008 3:39 PM:HA! Way to blow it kids! Literally!! Its amazing to me how these went for soo long without getting caught??? I cant believe it, if they were being investigated a year ago, why werent they arrested a year ago? They had PLENTY of evidence against them back then, seems like the police let them keep feeding drugs to kids, and let even more drugs go out to our community, why??? Why not nip it in the bud earlier? Why wait to smear all of their faces in the media just before graduation? It makes no sense......
A little wisdom wrote on May 7, 2008 3:41 PM:Cocaine you`re always chasing those first couple of minutes & then you`re depressed at the end of the night & it can cause a heart attack even in young people. Meth rotts your teeth,Brain & turns you into a sociopath (see OJ Simpson) also can cause a heart attack. Oxychotin can put you in a coma or kill you. Heroin is completely addicting meaning thats all you think about & an overdose will kill you. So what it comes down to if you want to party stick with beers & buds, an ounce or less of pot is a misdameanor, pay the ticket & don`t mouth off to the cop who writes you the ticket. Also Don`t get drunk & drive cause you might kill someone or yourself
Oh wow wrote on May 7, 2008 4:08 PM:I have read that the parents of this "victim" said their daughter was perfect. Oh come on, if she was, then she wouldnt have been snorting cocaine. Cmon people! She is not a victim , she was a participant.
To drugs on campus wrote on May 7, 2008 6:40 PM:These are not "kids" who got busted, they are adults and stupid ones at that. If their lives are ruined they did it themselves. Smoking a little pot on the weekend is still illegal last time I checked. Good job SDPD and DEA
No worries wrote on May 17, 2008 4:51 AM:All of you individuals who are active on this thread, get real...for every person that gets "caught" doing/dealing/associating or whatever it may be with drugs, there will be 3 people to replace that person and they will be twice as adamant with regards to their 'cause'; they'll think they have it figured out and the authorities will think they have THEM figured out...in the end who wins?
Nobody. We waste millions of dollars fighting a war that no one can win...not the dealers, not the authorities; in the end, at the very best we just balance each other out by wasting money and ruining lives.
More importantly, NCTIMES, get it right...and I quote:
"University police launched their investigation into drug sales on campus after Shirley Poliakoff, 19, died from a cocaine overdose in May 2007"
She wasn't just another name for a news story...her name was Jenny. Jenny Poliakoff. She was the sweetest girl that I ever came in contact with and for the 3 years we knew each other in high school--before we both decided to attend San Diego State--she was more than the town of Poway could of hoped for.
A cheerleader, motivator and a sweetheart to boot, Jenny was nothing but a loving person who put her heart and soul in to everything and everyone. If you were lucky enough to have met her you would know right away she was not your typical girl next door; Jenny was a saint.
Ironically I knew both Brandon Mackey and Lynwood Mackey, and even Steve Crook. Three out of the several "SDSU Source Suppliers" were my friends for years. Those of you that choose to judge them can go to hell...why? Good people knew them, good people liked them; they were good people. [Allegedly] Guilty of a crime no doubt, they weren't the type of people to discriminate, argue or even tease. In the end it was their product that put them where they are, not their character, attitude or personality.
Like JENNY, they are good people. Remember that when you judge someone more than likely you are going off of what someone else has told you.
People only know what you tell them.
Remember that.
RIP JENNY P We Love You wrote on May 17, 2008 4:55 AM:All of you individuals who are active on this thread, get real...for every person that gets "caught" doing/dealing/associating or whatever it may be with drugs, there will be 3 people to replace that person and they will be twice as adamant with regards to their 'cause'; they'll think they have it figured out and the authorities will think they have THEM figured out...in the end who wins?
Nobody. We waste millions of dollars fighting a war that no one can win...not the dealers, not the authorities; in the end, at the very best we just balance each other out by wasting money and ruining lives.
More importantly, NCTIMES, get it right...and I quote:
"University police launched their investigation into drug sales on campus after Shirley Poliakoff, 19, died from a cocaine overdose in May 2007"
She wasn't just another name for a news story...her name was Jenny. Jenny Poliakoff. She was the sweetest girl that I ever came in contact with and for the 3 years we knew each other in high school--before we both decided to attend San Diego State--she was more than the town of Poway could of hoped for.
A cheerleader, motivator and a sweetheart to boot, Jenny was nothing but a loving person who put her heart and soul in to everything and everyone. If you were lucky enough to have met her you would know right away she was not your typical girl next door; Jenny was a saint.
Ironically I knew both Brandon Mackey and Lynwood Mackey, and even Steve Crook. Three out of the several "SDSU Source Suppliers" were my friends for years. Those of you that choose to judge them can go to hell...why? Good people knew them, good people liked them; they were good people. [Allegedly] Guilty of a crime no doubt, they weren't the type of people to discriminate, argue or even tease. In the end it was their product that put them where they are, not their character, attitude or personality.
Like JENNY, they are good people. Remember that when you judge someone more than likely you are going off of what someone else has told you.
People only know what you tell them.
Remember that.
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