A domestic dispute involving a University of Alabama student has spiraled into a multi-state legal mess after a Nassau County police detective allegedly took matters into his own hands.
Ryan DellaFranco, 19, now faces domestic violence charges following an incident that occurred last Sunday at his off-campus apartment in Tuscaloosa.
According to the Tuscaloosa Police Department, the encounter left his 19-year-old ex-girlfriend injured, with reports circulating on social media alleging a violent struggle where the victim was choked and slammed into a toilet before managing to escape.
The situation escalated Monday when the victim’s father, a veteran detective from the Nassau County Police Department in Long Island, traveled to Alabama to confront DellaFranco.
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Police records indicate that the father appeared on DellaFranco’s porch and allegedly made threats against him. While a viral video captured a rowdy crowd gathered outside the home as police arrived that evening, no immediate arrests were made.
DellaFranco eventually turned himself in on Tuesday, facing charges of third-degree domestic violence and assault. He was released on a $500 bond.
The detective followed suit on Wednesday, turning himself in at the Tuscaloosa headquarters. He was charged with harassment and similarly released on a $500 bond.
While local authorities have been tight-lipped about the specific catalyst for the fight, investigators from the West Alabama INTERCEPT Task Force, which typically handles human trafficking cases, have joined the probe. This move follows unverified Snapchat messages shared online claiming the dispute began when the victim discovered DellaFranco was allegedly selling private videos to adult websites.
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The Theta Chi fraternity has since distanced itself from the scandal.
In a statement, the International Headquarters clarified that DellaFranco is no longer a member, adding, “The International Fraternity is unaware of any connection between the charges against Mr. DellaFranco and any Theta Chi activity.”
As the hashtag “#thetachifiles” continues to trend, DellaFranco has deleted his social media accounts. Neither the Nassau County Police Department nor the individuals involved have provided further comment, and the victim has declined to speak on the matter.
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