Six students arrested after investigation of Griffin's death

Six university students have been arrested stemming from the investigation of the death of Brett Griffin, a freshman who died Nov. 8, 2008 while attending a Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity party, according to the Newark Police Department. Griffin was a pledge at the fraternity.

Michael J. Bassett, 20, of Great Neck, N.Y.; Travis Fiume, 20, of Closter, N.J.; Justin Seeney, 20, of White Plains, N.Y.; Michael J. Ciccarelli, 20, of North Bellmore, N.Y.; Joseph Ciarletta, 19, of Bronx, N.Y.; and Henry Vieluf, 19, of Blauvelt, N.Y were charged after the investigation of Griffin's death. All six are members or pledges of the fraternity that held the party.

The charges do not imply direct culpability in Griffin's death.

The March 27 report states that Bassett and Fiume were the social chairs of the fraternity. Both collected money from fraternity members for alcohol for the party. Fiume went with an unidentified 21-year-old to buy the alcohol, and it was returned to the house, where it was consumed by guests, both under and over 21 years old.

The statement also notes that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

According to police, Bassett was charged on March 20 with providing alcohol to a minor, conspiracy in the third degree, criminal solicitation in the third degree, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Fiume was charged on March 19 with providing alcohol to a minor, conspiracy in the third degree and criminal solicitation in the third degree.

Seeney was charged with underage possession of alcohol and possession of drug paraphernalia on March 19.

Ciccarelli was charged with underage possession of alcohol on March 19.

Ciarletta was charged on March 19 with underage consumption of alcohol.

Vieluf was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia on March 19.

All students were released on unsecured bail, ranging from $5,000 to $100.

The Newark Police Department asks anyone with important information about Griffin's death to contact Cpl. Andrew Rubin at 302-366-7110, extension 457 or Andrew.Rubin@cj.state.de.us.

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