Updated July 2, 2014

On June 9, Tau Kappa Epsilon’s fraternity house was vandalized with white paint splatter and trophies were stolen. A suspect in the case has now been charged.

Zachary Cigich has been charged with First Degree Criminal Mischief, a Class C Felony in excess of $10,000 of damage, according to Ames Police Commander Geoff Huff. The Ames Police Department figured the total damage to be “about $30,000.”

“It’s an unfortunate situation all together,” said Brian Hulme, a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. “I’m just glad to see the people who are responsible for it taking responsibility for their actions.”

Original article – June 12, 2014

Ames Police Department is investigating a break-in and vandalism at Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity that occurred early June 9.

Brandon Hulme, junior in agricultural business and member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, said he found white paint on a stairwell, furniture, walls and windows throughout the house after he came home from work at around 5:00 a.m. June 9.

“They were able to gain access to the house through a window in the back of the house on the first floor that wasn’t locked,” Hulme said. “They were able to get open and then climb through that way.”

Hulme said there were also six to eight trophies the house had earned in the ’70s for events like Veishea floats, homecoming, and lawn displays. Hulme said the trophies were in a case that was closed, but not locked.

Sgt. Chris Crippen of the Ames Police Department said they have a suspect, but the suspect’s name was not released because the investigation is ongoing.

An individual came to the Tau Kappa Epsilon house and owned up to the incident, Hulme said.

“He talked to myself and two other members of the house and after he admitted to it,” Hulme said. “At that point we contacted the police and passed on all his contact information to them, so that they could proceed.”

Hulme said the individual is not a member of the house and he does not know if any Tau Kappa Epsilon members knew him personally.