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HomeSpecial FeatureMore about the MEH Blast Off: Arrests, Reactions, and the Fallout

More about the MEH Blast Off: Arrests, Reactions, and the Fallout

Article by Loneleigh Resident with photography by Mariella DeRosa and Loneleigh Resident

What was supposed to be a night of celebration erupted into chaos at the MEH Blast Off party on the night of August 16. The night took an unexpected turn when the police arrived, leading to several arrests and a wave of repercussions. The MEH Blast Off was organized as a welcome-back event for students, hosted by MEH at their beautiful house on Maple Street. DJ Kurt Banger, spinning tunes for the evening, offered a glimpse into the heart of MEH, describing the group as “just a bunch of friends, stoners, and misfits.” He was quick to clarify that MEH is not some gang or collection of troublemakers, but rather a tight-knit crew with a flair for the unconventional. The MEH Blast Off was no casual affair; it was a meticulously planned event that took three entire days to prepare. DJ Kurt even went so far as to hire a crane to hoist his grandfather’s tricked-out van onto the roof, a centerpiece that set the tone for the evening. Kurt gave a nod to all his MEH friends, especially Tate Kealoha and Mariella DeRosa, for their tireless efforts in pulling off such an elaborate party. With the music pounding and the crowd grooving to DJ Kurt’s beats, the night promised to be one for the books—until the flashing lights of the police cut the festivities short.

Reign Vermillion, Chief of the Woodcrest Police Department, sat down with me in her office to discuss that night. The Woodcrest Police conducted a search of the premises under a warrant and had three additional arrest warrants for individuals connected to recent vandalism and auto theft crimes. The group of five officers, led by Chief Vermillion, approached the MEH house to execute these warrants. Two of the suspects surrendered without resistance, while the third attempted to flee but was apprehended after a brief foot chase and swim. All in all, things went as planned, with no injuries reported—except for the Chief’s broken foot. The three suspects were charged with Felony Vandalism, Destruction of Property, and Grand Theft Auto. Additionally, there was one arrest for drunk and disorderly conduct. Despite the potential for more arrests related to underage drinking, Chief Vermillion prioritized serving the warrants that night. Chief Vermillion expressed hope that the operation would serve as a deterrent, prompting at least one person to make better choices going forward.

“What happened to your foot?” I inquired of the Chief, remembering the boot I had noticed at the Chandelier Club the night before our interview. Attempting to downplay her discomfort, she responded, “I broke my foot when I jumped off the cliff into the ocean.” “The ocean? What?” I stammered. The Chief explained, “Yes, the cliff behind the MEH house… over in north Woodcrest.” Incredulous, I had to track down this infamous swimmer: Mariella DeRosa, Vice-President and the Kush Bush of MEH.

When I spoke with Mariella, she emphasized once again that MEH is not a gang. She willingly provided more details of the night, describing how she had dived into the ocean from the diving board on the sea wall. According to Mariella, the police were mostly on shore, pointing their guns at her. She mentioned that the police chief even attempted to follow her into the water but struggled with swimming. Feeling sorry for Chief Vermillion, Mariella eventually decided to get out of the water to see what the police wanted.

Before diving into the ocean, Mariella had removed her dress, leaving her without any clothing during the watery chase. To remedy the situation, Officer Emma handed her an orange jumpsuit, though Mariella found the color to be rather unflattering. Given her lack of attire, the jumpsuit became a necessity. Reflecting on the situation, Mariella found it amusing that the police had come to a party with a warrant to arrest her. With a hint of sarcasm, she mused that the police might need some lessons from MEH on how to truly enjoy a party.

In response to Mariella’s complaints about the tasteless food that was served during her time in jail, Chief Vermillion replied: “There is a limited menu available for detainees. The food we serve meets the nutritional requirements set by the state. We aren’t going to get a Michelin star any time soon, that’s for sure.” While Mariella first shared that she was only served subpar peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, she quickly corrected herself, “Oh wait, I did get hot dogs once. But I had asked the cop for a nice big, juicy, and fat wiener and he just had this little hot dog!”

Mariella was detained at the WCPD station until she was able to secure a bail bond. Her father had hired a well-known lawyer, Joe Buttafucco, who arranged for a bail bond through Austin Mitchell. Reflecting on her upcoming court appearance, Mariella expressed a mix of hope and humor, wondering if the judge would be lenient and even suggesting that inviting the judge to a MEH party might improve his mood. Chief Vermillion had a more somber tone about the court hearings. After clarifying she was not speaking on behalf of the University, she speculated that while being charged with a crime might not lead to expulsion, a felony conviction might.

As the legal wheels begin to turn and the campus buzzes with speculation, one thing is certain: the MEH Blast Off will not be forgotten anytime soon. Whether the fallout from this event leads to courtroom drama or simply becomes the stuff of campus legend, only time will tell. Mariella, ever the optimist, seems unfazed by the looming legal battles, already planning the next big party—perhaps one with a guest list that includes the local judge. After all, who wouldn’t feel a bit more lenient after a night of music, laughter, and a few “big, juicy, and fat wieners”?

Meanwhile, Chief Vermillion, booted foot and all, hopes that the lesson learned here is one of caution and better decision-making. But as we all know, in the world of college parties, sometimes the lessons take a back seat to the stories told the next morning over coffee and cold pizza.

As the dust settles and the court dates are set, one can only wonder: Will MEH throw a party to celebrate their court victory—or will they finally take a break? Either way, if you hear the faint sound of music and laughter echoing from north Woodcrest, you might want to grab your swimsuit and avoid any cliffs.

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