‘Zeta’ case closed

By Jonathan McFadden
mcfaddenj@mytjnow.com

The case involving two young women wearing Zeta t-shirts while shoplifting costumes from a Rock Hill Halloween shop has been administratively closed, according to the Rock Hill Police Department.

Police were also unable to identify the two women or discern whether they were Winthrop students, said Brad Redfearn, spokesman for the RHPD. 

The police ran the tag on the purple Honda the women used to escape after their theft. The tag was registered under an address outside of Rock Hill. When Rock Hill police contacted local authorities in that particular town, they realized the car no longer belonged with the address.

Such instances are quite common with shoplifting cases, Redfearn said.

At around 8:15 p.m. on Oct. 3, two young women wearing t-shirts with the word “Zeta” sprawled on them stole police officer costumes, a French maid outfit, a clown costume and panty hose, according to the police report.

After stealing the clothes, the two women retreated in a purple Honda and waved as if to say thank you, according to the police report.

Campus Police worked with the Rock Hill Police Department on the case because it was possible Winthrop students were involved.

The theft comes several months after members of Zeta Tau Alpha were placed on social probation for violating the university’s alcohol beverage policy and for reports of disorderly conduct following chapter sponsored activities, said Sean Blackburn, assistant dean of students.

The Fraternal Conduct Board sanctioned Zeta Tau Alpha to social probation until Fall 2013, Blackburn said.

This probation prohibits the organization from hosting parties, mixers, date nights or other “social” functions, Blackburn said. 

The president of Winthrop’s Zeta Tau Alpha sorority declined to comment on the incident, stating that she could not do so without permission from the international office. 

The Johnsonian also repeatedly contacted Zeta Tau Alpha International, which, after repeated calls and messages, failed to return said messages or comment on the situation.

Delta Zeta, another Winthrop sorority with “Zeta” in the name, failed to comment on the Halloween costume thefts.