AMHERST, Mass. -- An off-campus University of Massachusetts fraternity was shut down Friday after police uncovered an illegal drug and alcohol joint, charging one student and seizing drugs, cash and dozens of kegs of beer.
University officials revoked the license for Beta Kappa Phi fraternity one day after police raided an illegal bar operating out of the frat house, officials said.
'The fraternity is being closed immediately,' said UMass spokeswoman Jeanne Hopkins. School officials pledged to find on-campus housing for resident freshmen and sophomores, but said juniors and seniors must find their own.
Andrew Jacobsen, 20, a resident of the frat house who listed Worcester as a permanent home address, pleaded innocent in Northampton District Court to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
He was released on personal recognizance and his case continued to May 12.
'They had a business going -- both drugs and otherwise,' Amherst Police Sgt. Richard Buckley said of the fraternity raided late Thursday night.
Charges of illegally selling alcohol and illegally selling alcohol to minors were expected to be filed against several other fraternity members, Buckley said. One student was taken into protective custody because he was drunk.
Police raided the off-campus fraternity house at 9:50 p.m. Thursday and remained inside the building for 3 hours. The raid ended a month-long probe into illegal drug and alcohol sales at the fraternity house.
'A quantity of cocaine was seized, as were 16 full kegs of beer, more than 50 empty kegs, a bar, a refrigeration system, cups and cash,' Buckley said. Authorities said the fraternity was operating an illegal bar.
The fraternity raid was conducted by 21 Amherst police officers and 10 state troopers, Buckley said.
The raid came just one day after UMass Chancellor Joseph Duffey issued an order banning alcohol at all UMass-sponsored social activities in an attempt to curb what school officials said was an alcohol problem on campus.
The ban prohibits alcohol to be served at UMass-sponsored parties for students, faculty, staff or alumni, officials said.
The alcohol ban was criticized Thursday night by Student Government Association President Joseph Demeo, who told the UMass Faculty Senate the order could spark student demonstrations.
'This ban could create a unique event bringing students from their dorms in a situation we can't control,' said Demeo, who predicted the ban would encourage students to drink and drive.
