Privileged Princeton Preppy Poisoned Pledges…And Skated

Filed in National by on October 3, 2018

Said privileged preppy is one Ken Simpler. Our State Treasurer.  In light of L’Affaires Kavanaugh, I decided to take a second look at what Simpler himself called a ‘brush with the law’.  Here’s what I found (it even made the New York Times):

Saying he would not treat the case ”as an undergraduate frolic that got out of hand,” a judge yesterday sentenced two officers of one of Princeton University’s private eating clubs to 30 days in jail for their roles in parties in February during which 45 students suffered alcohol-induced medical problems.

The two students, who also were fined $500 each by the judge, Russell W. Annich Jr. of the Princeton Borough Court, had been found guilty of serving alcohol to minors. The drinking age in New Jersey is 21, and the charge carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

As a result of the drinking at the parties, 39 students were treated at the university infirmary, six were taken to a local hospital and one of those six remained in a coma for 24 hours.

The two students sentenced yesterday, 20-year-old Kenneth Simpler of Rehoboth, Del., and Lisa Napolitano, 21, of Geneva, N.Y., are the president and the social chairman of the Princeton Charter Club, one of 13 private eating clubs at the university.

During the sentencing yesterday, Judge Annich said it was only luck that prevented a death like the one at Rutgers. ”If someone had died or been brain-damaged, the defendants wouldn’t be in this court,” he said, indicating that they would be in a higher court for trial on more serious charges.

At the trial of Mr. Simpler and Ms. Napolitano last Wednesday, students testified that initiates of the Charter Club were led through a series of rooms in which they were encouraged to drink large quantities of alcohol.

The sentence was reduced in subsequent court action. Here is how the Privileged Preppy explained it in a 2014 interview with WBOC:

“While my opponents will want to popularize the notion I was sentence to serve 30 days, the judge was making a statement. He knew he was making a statement. It was reversed, and I did community service and paid a $500 fine.”

That’s not the notion I want to ‘popularize’. My point is that Simpler was responsible for placing dozens of students in jeopardy, and skated largely due to his social status and Princetonian privilege. He makes a big deal about the reduced sentence while never once mentioning the crime that he committed. He put lives in danger. Full stop.

I think that’s wrong, and I think that sends the wrong message. And maybe it’s just me, but I’m tired of privileged louts never having to be called to account for their behavior.

The good news?  You can call him to account in November.

 

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  1. Anon says:

    I’d like more info on how Simpler handled the logistics of forcing tubes down all their throats and pumping alcohol into them against their will.

  2. Right. Hazing by another name is still hazing. Parse this sentence, Mr. Anon Apologist:

    “…students testified that initiates of the Charter Club were led through a series of rooms in which they were encouraged to drink large quantities of alcohol.”

    It’s precisely why hazing has been banned at so many schools–it’s dangerous and people are placed in jeopardy.

  3. Beach says:

    Is anyone knowledgeable about Delaware’s investment portfolio and annual reports?
    From what I can tell, Simpler is almost a year late on the 2017 annual report, and I can’t find the monthly portfolio report after June 2015.

    https://treasury.delaware.gov/investments.shtml

    https://treasurer.delaware.gov/delawares-investments/

  4. RunCV79 says:

    @Beach – a quick view of Simpler’s website details the following link to all performance reports. Evidently they migrated to a new website that is a repository for all public meetings/boards:

    https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/SB_MeetingListing.aspx?S=190006

    Also, can’t help but laugh at all the hypocrisy here. Colleen is running around everywhere saying she doesn’t want to raise taxes and criticizing Simpler for saying that all options should be on the table as sustainable revenue sources are considered. Are we sure she’s even a Dem?

    Unsurprising considering her father, Billy Carroll, was the Trump loving Sussex County Republican chair (currently on sabbatical until after his daughters run is over) who brought Donald Trump to Delaware (along without a Arlett). The same Billy Carroll who is now quarterbacking his daughters every move.

    Also, can someone explain to me what hospitals hire “consultants” to tell them how to bill/charge patients less money??? We’re just glossing over that? It’s total bullshit.

    I trust a physicians assistant to prescribe me antibiotics for my cold – not to oversee a multi-billion dollar investment portfolio.

    I get that Simpler is the only relevant Republican, but the ridiculous and sensational headlines are over the top. This is exactly why people have such disdain for politics.

    • Beach says:

      Thanks! I like the access to the meetings and materials but took a little more than a quick view.

  5. ‘This is exactly why people have such disdain for politics.’

    Uh, no it’s not.

    Lot of assertions here with no backup. Also, please notice, no defense of Simpler’s Princetonian behavior.

  6. RunCV79 says:

    No back up? You can’t google Billy Carroll and see his position as Sussex Co a Republican Chairman? It’s very clearly fact.

    What other assertions?

  7. “The same Billy Carroll who is now quarterbacking his daughters every move.”

    I’ve talked to her and am very impressed with her. And I’ve talked to people who have been involved in her campaign. All D’s. Your meme is one being circulated by Rethugs b/c Simpler can indeed lose a statistical victory in this year’s environment. So, try to discourage D voters in this race.

    But thanks for reminding me. Here’s her website. Nothing too partisan, just professionalism:

    https://www.colleendavisfortreasurer.com/meet-colleen

    Anything else on Simpler’s Princetonian pranks? And why should we vote for him over her?

  8. Joshua W says:

    Hey RunCV79, my dad’s an ardent Republican. Does that invalidate my work for the Democratic party too?

  9. Alby says:

    “Colleen is running around everywhere saying she doesn’t want to raise taxes and criticizing Simpler for saying that all options should be on the table as sustainable revenue sources are considered. Are we sure she’s even a Dem?”

    The treasurer does not “oversee” the state’s money. It’s a ceremonial position and whoever wins wouldn’t have the slightest ability to raise taxes.

    If that’s your beef, it has less beef than a Taco Bell taco.

  10. RE Vanella says:

    This is why we can’t have nice things.

  11. RE Vanella says:

    Josh Bhai… How about a momentum report on our man Don’s effort. I’m in 100% solidarity with that.

    People need to be jumping in on that.

  12. Joshua W says:

    Don is doing great. He had his best week of fundraising last week, and he just hired Kerri’s Sussex field coordinator, which, in his words, was “the best decision I made this entire campaign”.

    Other than that he’s out there plugging away, knocking on doors and making phone calls as much as he can. I think he’s still the underdog but he’s doing the work, and I think he has a genuine shot.