USU fraternity leader says he banned alcohol for pledges
Hazing » Alcohol-related event allegedly led to student's death
By Brian Maffly
The Salt Lake Tribune
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_11485642
Sigma Nu fraternity officers started "activation" week last November cautioning their fraternity brothers against providing alcohol to the nine young Utah State University students still committed to joining, according to chapter commander Cody Littlewood.
"A-week is about brotherhood and a time for reflection. Alcohol is not conducive to building brotherhood," said Littlewood, 20, in an interview last week.
He tried to ensure the safety of freshman Michael Starks after he returned to the Logan fraternity house from a nonsanctioned A-week event in a dangerous state of intoxication.
But earlier this month, Littlewood, a junior at USU, found himself among 12 Sigma Nu and Chi Omega sorority members charged with misdemeanor hazing in connection with Stark's Nov. 21 alcohol-poisoning death.
Charged with felonies in Logan's 1st District Court are the chapters themselves. Most of the accused students have entered not-guilty pleas, while the chapters have yet to be summoned to court.
The detailed affidavit supporting the charges indicate that neither Littlewood nor fraternity member Timothy Weber, 25, the chapter's lieutenant commander who is also charged, played a role in the "capture" party that led to Starks' fatal encounter with liquor in the presence of several Chi Omega women.
Littlewood's lawyer has filed a motion to dismiss the charge against his client.
"We believe the elements of hazing have not been met.
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