Wayne State University fraternity is suspended, 3 students arrested over thefts [Detroit Free Press]

Jan. 07--A Wayne State University fraternity has been suspended following the arrest of three pledges accused of stealing items during initiation.

The Epsilon Beta chapter of Theta Tau was suspended temporarily while code of conduct charges are being drawn up, university spokesman Matt Lockwood said Friday.

"Wayne State finds the alleged behavior unacceptable," he said.

According to the Lincoln Park police report, three men -- a 19-year-old from Warren, a 20-year-old from Lincoln Park and a 19-year-old from Detroit -- were pulled over by police on Dec. 11 after a witness saw someone jump out of the car and steal something in front of a business. Inside the car, police found a pedestal ashtray from Downriver Tire, a metal toolbox and a statue of baby Jesus from a Lincoln Park resident's lawn, the report said.

Also in the car was a wooden paddle with the Greek letters for Theta Tau.

The men, whose names were not released, told police they stole the items to fulfill a list they got as part of their pledge efforts to join the frat, the report said.

The men are charged with larceny and receiving or concealing stolen property.

The chapter couldn't be reached for comment Friday. The national office said it is looking into the matter.

"Our risk management committee is researching the incident and has been gathering information over the last few days, but we do not have the report completed," executive director Michael Abraham said in an e-mailed statement. "It would be premature for us to comment in detail in advance of that completion. Naturally though, we are glad that no one was in any danger or harmed by the incident."

Contact David Jesse: 313-222-8851 or [email protected]

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