NE OK PiKAs: keg, wrestling match in their underwear

hoosier · #1 11-04-2005, 05:05 PM

Fraternity members busted at keg party

By Bob Gibbins, Press Staff Writer
Thursday, November 3, 2005 9:51 AM CST

Several members of a Northeastern State University fraternity are facing alcohol-related charges after local authorities responded to a call of underage drinkers a week ago.
Pete Heist, an agent for the state's Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission, said an NSU reserve officer called for assistance at the American Legion Hall at 1 a.m. Oct. 22. One individual was allegedly watching the parking lot and carrying a cell phone when a district attorney's investigator, Cherokee County sheriff's deputies, Tahlequah police and ABLE agents arrived at the front door of the American Legion.
Eight members of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity were involved in some type of wrestling match in their underwear when officers entered the building. Heist said officials do not know whether it was a hazing ritual or if the fraternity members were involved in a “fight night.”
A beer keg allegedly purchased by Tristen Whitekiller, 21, at Mary's Liquor was inside the American Legion building. Whitekiller allegedly told officers earlier in the evening he was getting the keg for a party on Pendleton.
Coy Coffman, Kevin Perry and Whitekiller are all expected to be charged with providing alcohol to minors. A similar charge against Coffman, who was identified by law enforcement as the fraternity's vice president, was to be dismissed on payment of court costs, which were due Monday. Whitekiller is a pledge of the fraternity, authorities said.
Adam Holcomb, Justin McElhaney and John Pender are expected to be charged with possession of alcohol by a person under 21. All charges will be filed in district court.
Local law enforcement officials have contacted NSU administration officials about the problem, and NSU is working with authorities to resolve the issue.
ABLE agents have been collaborating with other local law enforcement agencies for the past three months to combat underage drinking and drunken driving crashes.