Nine Charged for stealing from NIU

Earlier this year NIU learned the nine employees were pocketing money they obtained from selling scrap metal to DeKalb Iron and Metal Company. 

The money was put into a private bank account dubbed "the coffee fund."

"We took it seriously then, we've continued to take it seriously," said NIU director of Media and Public Relations Paul Palian.  

After an investigation by the NIU police department, DeKalb County State's Attorney Clay Campbell announced the nine people involved were charge with felony theft, felony misconduct and obstruction of justice and are being accused of stealing more than 13-thousand dollars since 2005.

Tuesday night a warrant was issued for their arrests.

"A feeling of surprise but then it sunk in," said Palian.

"The coffee fund" account has been closed, and 21-hundred dollars that was found in it transferred into an NIU general fund.

One of the people involved has since resigned from the university, and four others have been place on administrative leave.

NIU is currently reviewing the employment statues of those who still work for university.

"Take whatever appropriate steps are necessary from a personnel administration stand point," said Palian.

Palian says the university has assigned existing personnel to fill the empty positions.

"We're taking actions to number one, continue to deliver upon the services that those people performed with in the university community," said Palian.

He also says the university is reevaluating they way it keeps track campus property.

"The creation of a panel to look at policies and procedures governing property control," said Palian.

The Northern Illinois Police Department's investigation is still ongoing and additional charges could come related to the case.

NIU announced Wednesday night it's seeking legal counsel to provide additional expertise for the board of trustees as they continue to evaluate the investigation.