University of Southern Indiana's student publication | USI | student newspaper

The Shield

University of Southern Indiana's student publication | USI | student newspaper

The Shield

University of Southern Indiana's student publication | USI | student newspaper

The Shield

USI student arrested, another cited after on-campus drug bust

Braden York, 20, was taken into custody Monday afternoon after Public Safety officers found narcotics in an on-campus apartment.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call for backup at 12:20 p.m., according to a Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Officers seized over six ounces of marijuana, $1,375 in cash, scales, empty baggies, grinders and other paraphernalia.

York, a mathematics major at USI, was taken to the Vanderburgh County Confinement Center on dealing charges.

Another student, William Gray, 20, an economics major, was cited for possession of marijuana under 30 grams, which is a class A misdemeanor.

Public Safety received a tip from a concerned student, said Stephen Woodall, Public Safety director.

“There are various sanctions that could be imposed against the students,” Woodall said.

Dean of Student Angela Batista said the case was referred to the Dean of Students Office for disciplinary follow-up.

“We are at the very beginning steps in that process,” Batista said. “The university takes any allegations involving drugs on campus very seriously.”

She said she could not discuss the case any further.

According to the Student Handbook, the students may request a hearing by the University Hearing Board, which consists of five students residing in student housing, five who live off campus, three faculty members and three administrators.

Possible sanctions for “other drugs” include university probation, parental notification, a $75 drug assessment, housing contract termination and loss of privileges, according to the handbook.

“The severity of the offense(s) will have an effect on what sanctions will be applied,” the handbook states. “For example, a student who is found in violation for using marijuana will most likely receive sanctions less severe than if the same student was found in violation for dealing marijuana.”

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

About the Contributor
James Vaughn, Chief Copy Editor