DURHAM, N.H. - Police arrested nine University of New Hampshire students early Sunday morning, Nov. 6, after an ongoing joint investigation by the Durham and UNH police departments into illegal drug activity at the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity house on Main Street.

Two additional students were also arrested for disorderly conduct. All 11 are members of the fraternity, which was issued a five-year suspension by the university last month.

University policy allows for either immediate interim suspension or administrative separation from the university when students are facing felony charges, and university policy was followed for the students arrested on felony charges.

After executing the search warrant, police observed what they believed to be life safety violations. The town code enforcement officer, in consultation with the Durham Fire Department, has since declared the house unsafe and uninhabitable. It was immediately closed for fire, health, electrical, building and life safety code violations and will not reopen until those are repaired.

"This investigation is a great example of how the town and university work together to keep the community safe," said Durham Police Chief David Kurz. "This kind of behavior and activity is unacceptable and we hope these arrests send a strong message that it will not be tolerated."

"The university is committed to eliminating illegal drug activity on its campus," said UNH Executive Director of Public Safety Paul Dean. "It reflects poorly on a great institution and we will continue to search out those who bring these dangerous and illegal substances into our community. More arrests are forthcoming and we are confident the hard work of the Durham and UNH police officers involved will eliminate a significant amount of illegal drugs from the community."

Both police agencies noted that the investigation is ongoing and further arrests are expected. In addition, police are investigating a sexual assault at the fraternity house that was reported approximately 2 a.m. Nov. 6.

The following were arrested and released on personal recognizance bail:

Steven Alabiso, 19, of Salem, N.H., conspiracy to distribute drugs, $2,000 bail, Dec. 22 Dover Circuit Court

Luke J. Archer, 20, Lexington, Mass., possession of a controlled drug, $500 bail, Dec. 22 Dover Circuit Court

Gregory R. Duperey, 21, of Lexington, Mass., disorderly conduct, $500 bail, Dec. 15 Dover Circuit Court

David E. Fitzpatrick, 20, of Reading, Mass., sale of a controlled drug, $500 bail, Dec. 22 Dover Circuit Court

Andrew J. Fortini, 21, of Sandown, N.H., sale of a controlled drug, $2,000 bail, Dec. 22 Dover Circuit Court

Lawrence A. MacLeod III, 21, of Lebanon, N.H., possession of a controlled drug, $500 bail, Dec. 22 Dover Circuit Court

Maxwell McGuiness, 21, of Lebanon, N.H., sale of a controlled drug, uncooperative during the bail process and transported to the Strafford County Jail

Quinn Pham, 20, Salem, N.H., possession of a controlled drug, $500 bail, Dec. 22 Dover Circuit Court

Graydon Rickert, 19, of Hatfield, Mass., prohibited sales of alcohol, $5,000 bail, Dec. 15 Dover Circuit Court

Brian D. Shea, 19, of Windham, N.H., sale of a controlled drug, possession with intent to sell controlled drugs and possession of a false ID, $10,000 bail, Dec. 22 Dover Circuit Court

Jonathan Travers, 21, of Atkinson, N.H., disorderly conduct, $500 bail, Dec. 15 Dover Circuit Court

The Durham and UNH police departments were assisted by the Laconia and Seabrook police departments and the N.H. Drug Task Force.

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