A Fraternity Crime Story: Power, Money, and a Multimillion-Dollar Scandal
Jan 31, 2024
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Investigative journalist Max Marshall discusses the multimillion-dollar fraternity drug ring scandal at the College of Charleston, covering power, privilege, and the lack of consequences. Topics include the power and influence of fraternities, the prevalence of Xanax as a party drug, the origins and exclusivity of Greek life, and exploring themes of privilege and entitlement within these organizations.
The involvement of privileged fraternity members in a multimillion-dollar drug ring highlights their desire to flaunt their ability to bend the rules without facing consequences.
The sophisticated drug network operated by the fraternity members involved the sourcing and distribution of various substances, with fraternity pledges serving as key drivers of the operation.
The minimal consequences faced by the majority of the participants in the drug ring underscore the significant role of privilege and access to high-quality legal representation in the outcomes.
Deep dives
The allure of prestige and consequences
In the book, fraternity members from wealthy backgrounds are involved in a multimillion-dollar drug ring despite their privileged lifestyles. The motivation behind their involvement stems from the desire to showcase how much they can get away with, highlighting a sense of prestige in their ability to bend the rules without facing consequences. The financial safety net provided by their families allows them to engage in reckless behaviors and even deal drugs at scale. This mentality extends to their participation in hazing rituals and party culture, where engaging in risky activities is seen as a sign of status. The story sheds light on the different systems of justice depending on one's wealth, showcasing the stark contrast between those with access to top-tier legal representation and those without.
The intricate drug network
The drug network operated by these fraternity members was highly sophisticated. They sourced Xanax powder from Southern China, shipped it through Canada, and used beach houses outside Charleston to produce thousands of Xanax pills using an industrial pill press. These pills were then distributed throughout the fraternity system, with fraternity pledges serving as the primary drivers of the operation. The drug network extended beyond Xanax, involving the distribution of cocaine and other substances. The open market within the fraternity system allowed for high profits and minimal consequences, as supply met the demand of wealthy students seeking drugs.
Minimal consequences and the power of privilege
Although the drug ring involved multiple individuals, the consequences for the majority of them were minimal. While Mikey Schmidt and Charles Mungeon faced legal repercussions, the majority of the other participants either received short jail sentences, suspensions, or were not charged at all. The power of privilege and access to high-quality legal representation played a significant role in the outcomes. This disparity in consequences underscores the stark difference between those with wealth and connections and those without, highlighting the flaws within the justice system.
The tragic events and lack of empathy
The story includes tragic events such as the murder of Patrick Moffley and the arrest of Charles Mungeon for his alleged involvement. However, Mikey Schmidt and other fraternity members were able to avoid severe consequences by cooperating with law enforcement. While reporting the story, the complexities of empathy arose, especially considering the derogatory way some of the fraternity members spoke about women. The consequences of their behavior and the tragedy that unfolded made it challenging to feel empathy for the characters. However, the book presents a nuanced portrayal of their lives, delving into their family situations, mental health, and the factors that led them to engage in such behavior.
Unveiling the realities of Greek life and the justice system
This book exposes the realities of Greek life, showcasing the extravagant lifestyles, unchecked privilege, and reckless behavior of fraternity members from affluent backgrounds. It also sheds light on the different systems of justice based on wealth, where severe consequences are often avoided by those with financial means. The story emphasizes the need for systemic reforms in both higher education and the justice system to ensure fairness and accountability for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
The abuse of prescription drugs on college campuses has skyrocketed in the last 10 years—and by extension, so too has the intricate ecosystem of college-aged dealers and distribution networks. So today, we're covering a multimillion-dollar fraternity drug ring scandal at the College of Charleston with the investigative journalist, Max Marshall, who covered it in his book, Among the Bros. We talk about power, privilege, and the near-total lack of consequences in this story — and how it serves as a bit of an allegory for the real world.
Need a primer on the various names involved in this story?
Mikey Schmidt, the main drug plug for the fraternity with connections to cartels in Atlanta, and the contact for the fraternity's distribution networks and runners
Rob Liljeberg, a former Eagle Scout who went on to become the president of the Kappa Alpha fraternity
Zach Kligman, also known as the "Charleston Kingpin," who would help traffic the drugs into Charleston
Patrick Moffly, a socialite, beloved party boy, and son of a big-time real estate developer and a Congressional candidate. Moffly helped create and sell the drugs sold through the fraternity.
