The Comenian

Issue date: 3/19/09 Section: News

On Feb. 19, the Theta Tau chapter of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity at Moravian College was allowed to keep their charter following an investigation into their involvement in the alleged embezzlement of large sums of money by former president Jason Cote this past winter.

The college administration, particularly the Office of Student Affairs, which oversees Greek life, was looking to see if other chapter members assisted or attempted to cover-up Cote's reported actions. Prior to the formal hearing, the chapter was placed on probation, which prohibited them from hosting social events or participating in formal recruitment.

Around 65 members from all chapters of the campus' fraternities and sororities stood outside Colonial Hall the day of the hearing in peaceful protest.

"As a Greek, I was impressed that we were willing to stand by each other as a community, and not let individual actions overwhelm all of the good that has been done on campus," said Ellen Williams, president of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority. "Plus, the Greek community truly showed that we have each other's backs, regardless of the letters on the front."

Following the success of their hearing, Delta Tau Delta began their spring recruitment "Better Late Than Never" and currently has 24 active brothers.

Neither the Office of Student Affairs nor Rey Benschop, current President of Delta Tau Delta, were able to comment.

The philanthropy fund from which he stole is financed by the proceeds from the chapter's annual Cpt. Chris Seifert Memorial Golf Tournament, which raises money for Seifert's son's college fund. Seifert was an Army captain who was killed in Kuwait in 2003 and helped in founding the Theta Tau chapter in 1996.

According to an article published in the Express Times, Jim Russell, executive vice president of the international, Indiana-based fraternity, said in a prepared statement, "We are saddened and very disturbed by the allegations... we will work diligently to restore the missing money from the Seifert fund...we intend to continue our support of the annual golf tournament as we have from its inception."

Cote allegedly siphoned approximately $8,200 from the fraternity's philanthropy fund into his personal accounts over a four month period. He is charged with theft and receiving stolen property and is currently out on bail and has waived his right to preliminary hearing.

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