Fraternity investigation complete; discipline not disclosed

PORTALES — Eastern New Mexico University President Steven Gamble confirmed Friday a Title IX investigation on a university fraternity is complete, but did not disclose the college's disciplinary measures.

According to documentation from an investigation by the ENMU Police Department, several members of the Zeta Sigma chapter of the Sigma Chi fraternity may have used more than one type of controlled substance in the fraternity house.

"That's where we're at right now," said Gamble. "We have concluded this issue unless it's appealed, and we have given the members of the fraternity our decision."

Gamble said he wouldn't disclose the university's decision was on the fraternity until after Sigma Chi's appeal deadline of Jan. 9. If members of the fraternity decide to appeal the decision, a second hearing will be held, he said.

Gamble said the Title IX investigation "has resulted in discipline for currently enrolled students." He declined to comment on whether the investigation had impacted any university staff members or not.

Repeated attempts by The News to contact fraternity members have been unsuccessful.

The Portales Police Department was also conducting an investigation regarding accusations that a drug-facilitated sexual assault took place at the fraternity house.

PPD Public Information Officer Charlie Smart said Friday that the department has completed the investigation and turned it over to the Ninth Judicial District Attorney's Office, but he understood the office decided against pursuing charges.

Assistant District Attorney Jake Boazman confirmed Friday that charges will not be pursued against any members of the fraternity.

"We felt there was not enough evidence to bring charges regarding (drug accusations)," Boazman said. "The District Attorney's Office also declined charges on the sexual assault (allegations). We felt there was not enough to go forward."