9:41 a.m., March 27, 2009----The Newark Police Department has announced the arrest of six UD students on alcohol and drug charges stemming from its investigation into the Nov. 8 death of UD freshman Brett Griffin. In a release issued March 27, Newark Police said the arrests were the result of information developed during the investigation of Mr. Griffin's death and that the charges do not imply direct culpability in Mr. Griffin's death.

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In reponse to the Newark Police announcement, the University issued the following statement:

"On behalf of the entire University community, our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Brett Griffin.

"The University cooperated fully with the City of Newark Police in the investigation into Mr. Griffin's death. We take the announced charges levied by the state Attorney General's Office against the individuals very seriously. The University is investigating the facts surrounding this case and will take all appropriate action with the individual students and the student organization named in these arrests. Since this is an active investigation, it would be inappropriate for the University to comment on student conduct charges that may arise, or to speculate on the potential final results of University-led judicial proceedings. A detailed listing of the University policies and administrative procedures that are applicable in this matter are available on the University Web page at the following links for the Code of Student Conduct [http://www.udel.edu/stuguide/08-09/code.html] and the Student Judicial System [http://www.udel.edu/stuguide/08-09/judicial.html]."

All six individuals charged by Newark Police are members or pledges of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, which sponsored a party in a house on Annabelle Street in Newark, which Mr. Griffin was attending when he died.

Charged were Michael J. Bassett, 20, of Great Neck, N.Y.; Travis Fiume, 20, of Closter, N.J.; Justin Seeney, 20, of White Plains, N.Y.; Michael J. Ciccarelli, 20, of North Bellmore, N.Y.; Joseph Ciarletta, 19, of Bronx, N.Y.; and Henry Vieluf, 19, of Blauvelt, N.Y.

According to police, Bassett and Fiume were social chairs for the fraternity, and they collected money from members before the party. Bassett is alleged to have given the money to Fiume, who went to an unidentified person over 21 years of age to purchase alcohol. The alcohol was brought back to the Annabelle Street house, where it was consumed by party guests, some of whom were under 21 years of age. During a search warrant executed at the house, police reported that they found illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Bassett was charged March 20 with providing alcohol to a minor, third degree conspiracy, third degree criminal solicitation, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Fiume was charged March 19 with providing alcohol to a minor, third degree conspiracy and third degree criminal solicitation.

Seeney was charged March 19 with underage possession of alcohol and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ciccarelli and Ciarletta were charged March 19 with underage possession and consumption, respectively, of alcohol.

Vieluf was charged March 19 with possession of drug paraphernalia.

All six students were released on unsecured bond.

The Newark Police release notes that all defendants are presumed innocent until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Newark Police Department requests that anyone with information pertaining to Mr. Griffin's death contact Cpl. Andrew Rubin at (302) 366-7110, ext. 457, or by e-mail at [Andrew.Rubin@cj.state.de.us].