Chico Fraternity And Former Chapter President Plead Guilty And Are Sentenced For Cutting Down Trees In Lassen National Forest

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California State University, Chico chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. Magistrate Judge Craig M. Kellison to 9,800 hours of community service, a three-year term of probation, and a $4,000 fine after pleading guilty to illegally cutting or otherwise damaging any timber, tree, or other forest product. The court also ordered the fraternity to pay restitution in the amount of $4,387.97 to the Lassen National Forest, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. 

In addition, the former president of the Chico fraternity chapter, Evan Clinton Jossey, was sentenced to a term of court probation and $1,000 fine after pleading guilty to the same offense.  

According to the criminal complaint, Jossey and other members of the fraternity participated in an initiation ceremony at the Deer Creek Trailhead in the Lassen National Forest.  During the course of the initiation ceremony, 32 trees were cut down at the site. 

This case was the product of an investigation by the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Forest Service, Law Enforcement and Investigations. Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Cook prosecuted the case.