LAWYER: Phigs ‘in This Together’

GENESEO – ‘Phig‘ (Phi Sigma Xi) brothers Rich Rovner and Michael Green were arraigned on a felony evidence tampering charge at a less than 10-minute village court appearance on Tuesday for the alleged coverup of the drug-related death of Phig brother Alex Davis, 20, in May 2014.

Rovner, 23, and Green, 20, were arraigned on charges of Tampering with Physical Evidence, an E felony, and Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree, an A misdemeanor. The two sat next to each other in court and talked quietly before court was called to order. Rovner’s attorney Brian DeCarolis said, the Phigs are in this together.

“They are fraternity brothers and friends, and they are in this together,” said DeCarolis. “They are good kids that got mixed up in a very unfortunate situation.”

Both Rovner and Green are scheduled to reappear in court on July 14. DeCarolis added that at the next court appearance, both sides of the aisle will have a better idea of how the case will proceed.

“Even the District Attorney’s Office indicated that they do not have all of the necessary paperwork,” added DeCarolis. “This is not a Petit Larceny, this is not taking something from Wegmans. This is a year of investigative work by law enforcement. There is no plea deal, and that is how every case goes at this stage.”

DeCarolis added that Rovner has been cooperative with the investigation at every turn and is confused as to why he has been brought to court in the first place.

“My client has been forthcoming and spoke to authorities immediately,” said DeCarolis. “He has been comfortable, confident, and frankly he knew he didn’t do anything wrong. He has nothing to hide.”

Geneseo Police have accused Rovner and Green of searching an unresponsive Alex Davis and/or removing and concealing contraband or other physical evidence on Alex Davis or at the scene. Police say that these alleged actions impeded the investigation by law enforcement and the Livingston County Coroner.

The Phigs’ fraternity activities were suspended by SUNY Geneseo when Phig brother Victor Lazarte, 19, was arrested for allegedly giving an underage girl at a date party so much alcohol that first responders took her to the hospital for treatment for alcohol poisoning.

The College has said that further action is possible against the Phigs as the investigation continues.

“The college has received some information regarding possible student misconduct in this case, but a review will only be held after the college receives and can evaluate all of the information that may be available to us, and we continue to pursue additional information from law enforcement,” said SUNY Geneseo Spokesperson David Irwin to news partner 13WHAM.

PHOTO CAPTION: (L-R) Rich Rovner and Michael Green. (Photo/Josh Williams)

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