SUSANVILLE, Calif., May 16, 2017 – United States Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations have filed a criminal complaint against the Pi Kappa Alpha- Chico State Fraternity and its President, Evan Jossey in the United States District Court, Eastern District of California.
Pi Kappa Alpha is alleged to have cut down approximately 32 trees at the Deer Creek Trailhead campground on the Lassen National Forest, during an initiation of new pledges the weekend of April 21, 2017.
The criminal complaint against the fraternity charges 32 violations of 36 CFR 261.6 (a)-cutting or damaging any timber, one (1) count of violating 36 CFR 261.8 (b)-possessing a firearm in violation of federal or state law and 18 USC 371-conspiracy to commit offense or defraud United States. Pi Kappa Alpha and Evan Jossey are scheduled to appear in court on June 26, 2017 in Redding.
The Tehama County Sheriff’s Office has been instrumental in assisting with this investigation. They have since turned it over to the Forest Service. This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges are expected to be filed at a later date. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty.