On April 10, North Carolina authorities arrested four East Carolina University students after a raid at the Phi Kapp Tau house. The arrests were the culmination of a three-week investigation into alleged drug crimes taking place at the fraternity.
According to the Greenville Regional Drug Task Force, the defendants were allegedly selling prescription drugs and marijuana out of the house, which is located at 409 Elizabeth Street in Greenville. Officials claim that a search of the property uncovered 2,500 Xanax bars and two shotguns. Marijuana was also reportedly found during the raid.
The defendants, who are all age 19 or 20, are facing various drug charges. These charges include possession of Xanax with the intent to sell or deliver, possession of up to a half ounce of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a dwelling for drug sales. Two of the defendants are also charged with underage possession of alcohol. The national organization of Phi Kappa Tau said that it has suspended the ECU chapter while it investigates the situation. The defendants are also being investigated by university officials.
North Carolina residents facing drug distribution charges can face harsh consequences if they are convicted. Depending on the amount of drugs involved, defendants could be sentenced to between 25 and 219 months in prison and assessed a fine of up to $200,000. As a result of their conviction, they could also lose current and future education and employment opportunities. With the help of a drug charges criminal defense lawyer, it may be possible for a defendant to avoid such penalties and protect their future. A lawyer may be able to carefully review the case and build a defense in an effort to get the charges dropped.
Source: The News & Observer, "4 students arrested at ECU fraternity drug bust," Jane Stancill, April 11, 2018.
