Charges were dropped against members of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, also known as FIJI, stemming from an investigation of Michael Anderson’s death. A freshman and FIJI member, Anderson died last April after falling from the top of Colonia de la Paz Residence Hall.
According to Rebecca Mueller, supervisor of the misdemeanor-unit at the Pima County Attorney’s Office, charges of providing false information to law enforcement officers brought against five members have been dropped by Pima County on Feb. 18.
Mueller added that upon successful completion of a diversion program, an individual’s charges will then be dropped, which each of those former members successfully finished.
Spencer Shugrue, former FIJI president of the now unrecognized chapter, also had his charges dropped “without prejudice,” pending an ongoing investigation, Mueller said.
Shugrue was charged with being of legal drinking age, occupying the premises and knowingly allowing two or more underage individuals to consume alcohol, also known as statute 4-241, Mueller added.
Shugrue is still not rid of possible consequences. Mueller said Pima County can re-file charges against him within one year of the original charge, giving it about six months to re-file against Shugrue, who was originally charged in July 2014.
Parker Bellinger, former FIJI vice president, was charged under the same circumstances as Shugrue’s original charge. The trial is still proceeding; Bellinger’s next court appearance will take place later this week.
The charges stem from an investigation by the University of Arizona Police Department after Anderson’s death.
Anderson fell to his death after attempting to climb a 20-foot ventilation structure on top of Colonia de la Paz. An autopsy report indicated alcohol and marijuana were in his system at the time of his death.
During UAPD’s investigation, an email was found that told FIJI members to lie to law enforcement about any alcohol-related activities going on at the house the night of Anderson’s death. The investigation and charges against members ultimately led to the loss of recognition for the chapter at the UA.
The former fraternity house was turned into a student housing lodge called Rawls/Eller Lodge in fall 2014.
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