Former Sigma Tau Gamma member Caden Hunt faces 10 counts and seven charges after his arrest on Nov. 28. Following his arrest, Sigma Tau Gamma released a statement noting Hunt’s membership in the fraternity was terminated within 24 hours of his arrest and that the fraternity will be “working in conjunction with Emporia State University and local authorities to support any actions taken against the former member.” 

In attempting to reach out to Sigma Tau Gamma and both their local alumni and national offices, The Bulletin was directed towards the fraternity’s national CEO, W.P. Barlow Jr. JD, for all lines of communication. 

Sigma Tau Gamma is notable in comparison with other campus fraternities regulated by the National Interfraternity Council, Phi Delta Theta and Sigma Phi Epsilon, as they lack a regional director and chapter support coordinator. These positions serve as a bridge between a fraternity’s regional and national offices and aid local chapters in investigations into their members and violations surrounding their actions. Therefore, these positions are not directly associated with local chapters in the way that alumni may be.

“The ESU Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will remain in contact with both the national headquarters and the alumni of Sigma Tau Gamma chapter to support any ongoing investigation,” said ESU Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Jaden Rahe. “As needed, FSL will follow the Emporia State Student Code of Conduct and procedures outlined in it.” 

Section 2 of ESU’s Code of Conduct indicates that organizations may be subject to disciplinary action if they were found to be “aiding, abetting, procuring, attempts and complicity, or encouraging others to commit acts prohibited by this code.” 

Dean of Students Cass Coughlin indicated that his office is also communicating with Sigma Tau Gamma over Hunt’s actions. 

“In terms of this particular situation, there may not be any accountability that occurs for Sigma Tau the entity because, very preliminary, it was a sole actor and no one was aware, but that’s the part where there needs to be further investigation. Sig Tau is going to do a self-investigation between Jaden, myself, Joel (Franz) and their advisors (to see) what’s really going on. Is it really what looks to be going on at first blush?” Coughlin said.

Joel Franz is the current president of ESU’s Sigma Tau Gamma chapter.

Caden Hunt’s next court date is currently set for Jan. 22, 2024.

Drayton Willey is an active member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and staff writer for The Bulletin.