IA: 13 UI students charged in dormitory drug raid

IA: 13 UI students charged in dormitory drug raid
DesMoinesRegister / Lee Hermiston / 04,21,2010


Police killed the buzz for 13 University of Iowa students the night before a counterculture holiday celebrating the use of| marijuana.

University of Iowa Police officers executed numerous search warrants at Currier and Mayflower residence halls Monday night, resulting in various charges, many of which were drug-related. April 20 is celebrated by drug enthusiasts as a day to use marijuana.

Eighteen UI officers and members of the Johnson County Multi-Agency Drug Task Force executed the warrants between 8 to 11 p.m. Monday. Several of the search warrants were executed on the third floor of Currier Residence Hall.

Charges ranged from possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of prescription drugs, possession of burglar's tools and criminal mischief.

UI Police Director Chuck Green said he had not yet seen complete reports on the cases and had little information about what led police and the drug task force to these students. "I can tell you that it is as a result of an investigation involving our department as well as other members of the drug task force," Green said. The police department also was assisted by university housing, Green said.

According to criminal complaints, police charged:

• Logan T. Piper, 19, of Currier Hall, with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Nicholas G. Wilson, 19, of Currier Hall, with controlled substance violation and possession of drug| paraphernalia.

• Samuel K. Johnson, 19, of Currier Hall, with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of alcohol under the legal age.

• Shane M. Paty, 19, of Mayflower Hall, with unlawful possession of a prescription drug.

• Jacob C. Bogolia, 18, of Currier Hall, with possession of a controlled substance and possession of burglar's tools.

• Derek A. Wollner, 19, of Currier Hall, with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a prescription drug.

• Benjamin R. Tebuckhorst, 19, of Currier Hall, with unlawful possession of a prescription drug and possession of a controlled substance.
• Evan L. Schaal, 19, of Currier Hall, with controlled substance violation, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of alcohol under the legal age.

• Zen M. Gatton, 19, of Currier Hall, with controlled substance violation, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of alcohol under the legal age.

• Andrew C. Anderson, 19, of Currier Hall, with possession of alcohol under the legal age.

• James G. LaMotta, 19, of Mayflower Hall, with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Timothy V. Vivirito, 19, of Mayflower Hall, with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Bryant E. Balasa, 19, of Currier Hall, with second- and fourth-degree criminal mischief.

Police said on two occasions in February, Balasa threw water balloons and water bottles from his vehicle, causing $1,332.51 in damage on one occasion and more than $200 for the other occasion.

Police found various amounts of marijuana in the dorm rooms of the students charged with controlled substance offenses. Two of the students also received text messages asking them to provide marijuana after the execution of the warrants.Among the prescription drugs seized were Adderall and methylphenidate, a.k.a. Ritalin, both of which are used illegally as academic performance enhancers. The students did not have prescriptions for those drugs, police said. Police said in addition to a quantity of marijuana, Bogolia also had a set of lock pick tools and a book, "Easy Pickings." Bogolia told police he, "had not had a chance to use them yet," according to criminal complaints.

The Office of the Dean of Students will investigate the students for violations of the Code of Student Life, the university said in a statement.