ASUO Vice President Ben Buzbee is scheduled to appear in municipal court Friday to contest a $350 citation for furnishing alcohol to minors at a toga party hosted at his home Jan 18.
Eugene Police Department Officer Pete Aguilar responded to a complaint from Buzbee’s neighbor Valdas Anelauskas at 12:42 a.m. Jan. 18 about a loud party at Buzbee’s residence, but when he arrived, nothing appeared to be wrong. Anelauskas called again two hours later, saying the noise had escalated and partygoers were lingering outside the house.
When the police returned to Buzbee’s residence, they called for backup. After three more officers arrived, the police broke up the party and issued citations to 12 people. Buzbee and his two roommates were cited for furnishing alcohol to minors and nine people received minor in possession of alcohol charges.
EPD spokeswoman Kerry Delf said Buzbee also was temporarily detained so the officers could deal with the remaining party guests.
Buzbee declined an interview with the Emerald, but he did release a statement.
“Early Saturday morning, I was served a citation alleging that I furnished to minors,” he said. “Police entered my residence without a warrant, without my consent and under circumstances that I believe did not allow them to legally enter. I have obtained legal counsel and she has recommended no further comment while this case is pending.”
The officers who first responded to the loud party were not immediately available for comment on Buzbee’s statement. EPD spokeswoman Pam Olshanski said she was not familiar with the details of this case, but in most cases, officers attempt to speak with the responsible host away from the party guests and ask him or her to tone down the party. However, if officers find that partygoers are loud and belligerent, they usually can’t isolate the host for a private conversation. She added that if the officers observe any illegal activity taking place, they are obliged to respond as necessary.
ASUO spokeswoman Lacy Ogan said while student government is concerned about Buzbee’s citation, the ASUO Executive needs to wait for more information before acting.
The president of Delta Sigma Phi, Buzbee’s fraternity, was not available for comment. Last year, however, greek representatives made predictions that the University’s alcohol ban in greek houses would lead to an increase in off-campus parties.
Anelauskas, a longtime resident of the area, said parties like the one he reported are frequently disruptive and sometimes happen as often as once a month.
“They don’t care about their behavior,” Anelauskas said. “They are not afraid of getting into trouble.”
Anne Leavitt, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said she did not feel comfortable speaking about Buzbee’s citation and wouldn’t comment on a pending conduct investigation on a student. She did say, however, the University has very stringent rules about use of alcohol, and
it is disturbing when students
ignore University regulations and federal laws.
“Anytime a student behaves irresponsibly, it reflects poorly on the University,” Leavitt said.