Fraternity Whistleblower Warns of 'Omertà' Amid College Deaths, Drug Ring Allegations

A former fraternity member who survived hazing at Dartmouth College is warning potential recruits about a deeply ingrained "code of silence" within Greek organizations, drawing parallels between his past experiences and recent tragic events and criminal allegations.

Andrew Lohse, author of "Confessions of an Ivy League Frat Boy," told Fox News Digital that fraternities can operate like "criminal organizations" that rely on an "omertà" – a code of silence – to protect themselves. His comments come in the wake of the deaths of two University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) students, one of whom was a fraternity member, and allegations of a cocaine distribution ring involving pledges at Penn State.

"You need a code of omertà if you're trying to create an organization that's essentially like a criminal organization," Lohse stated. "The original 19th-century concept of the American fraternity is not what exists today."

One of the Ole Miss students found deceased, Ryan Strang, was a brother of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Authorities discovered packages of kratom, a substance sometimes referred to as "gas station heroin," at the scene of the deaths, though its role has not been determined. Phi Delta Theta has stated that it is mourning the loss and encourages its community to support the affected families.

At Penn State, prosecutors allege that pledges were compelled to cut and package cocaine as part of an organized drug ring led by a former Sigma Chi member. Lohse described the alleged involvement of pledges in such activities as "brazen."

These incidents echo past allegations of hazing. Lohse recounted his own experiences at Dartmouth's Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter, including enduring degrading rituals and coerced binge drinking. He noted that substances like fentanyl and kratom, which carry significant risks, were not prevalent during his time as a student.

Recent weeks have also seen other fraternity-related incidents, including one in Madison, Wisconsin, where police responded to the Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) house and found approximately 30 pledges in a basement covered in substances, with some showing signs of physical assault. AEPi Headquarters stated it takes the allegations extremely seriously and will cooperate with authorities.

Lohse expressed concern that these organizations fill a void left by a perceived lack of moral leadership in higher education and society. He described the rituals he endured, such as being urinated on while attempting to swim in a vomit-filled pool and forced consumption of large quantities of alcohol leading to vomiting.

He believes the "code of silence" prevents accountability. "The organization forces the individual to compromise their own identity for the collective, taking something from its members to ensure the system perpetuates itself over time," Lohse said.

Following hazing incidents during Lohse's time, SAE at Dartmouth was suspended for 10 years and has since been re-recognized. Lohse advises students considering fraternity membership to weigh the "opportunity cost" and consider whether such organizations truly align with their goals for higher education.

Judson Horras, president and CEO of the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), affirmed that student safety is a top priority. He highlighted the NIC's enhanced safety guidelines and advocacy for stricter anti-hazing laws. "We are heartbroken by the loss of two University of Mississippi students," Horras stated, adding that the NIC will continue working with universities to ensure student safety.