Student arrested on theft charges
MU police arrested freshman Amber Everson early Saturday morning.
Published Nov. 14, 2006
A Defoe Hall resident was arrested early Saturday morning by MU police on suspicion of stealing, a liquor law violation, possession of less than 35 grams of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance.
MU police searched freshman Amber Everson's room after a student staff member reported that she suspected Everson of theft. Everson did not respond to e-mails seeking comment.
"They'd reported several thefts from rooms in the hall and believed that Amber Everson was responsible for the thefts," MU police Maj. Doug Schwandt said.
Defoe resident Emily Burchwell said a peer adviser searched the room before calling police.
Director of Residential Life Frankie Minor said student staff members are allowed to inspect rooms for specific purposes in accordance with the contract that students living in residence halls must sign.
"We have certain procedures where they have to knock, identify themselves and allow a student to respond before keying in," Minor said. "I have the authority to authorize a more detailed search."
Minor said he has not authorized staff to conduct such a search this year.
Burchwell said the peer adviser contacted police to determine a proper course of action once she suspected Everson of stealing.
"She just called to find out what she should do, and they just came," Burchwell said. "We didn't expect them to come, but they just acted on it."
Minor said he could not comment on the incident specifically.
He said when police are called, Residential Life staff serves a supporting role to police.
"Once the police are involved, they have their own set of policies and procedures," Minor said.
Schwandt said Everson denied the charges when officers arrived.
"We asked her about the missing items, and she claimed she didn't know what we were talking about," he said. "We asked permission to search her room. At first she gave permission and then she withdrew consent."
Schwandt said by the time Everson withdrew her consent officers had already seen items that matched the description of some of the stolen property.
Police then applied for a search warrant. Once a judge certified the request, police searched the room and found several items of interest.
Burchwell witnessed the search and said police found seven iPods, football tickets, other people's clothing and a male student's driver's license and fake identification. Burchwell said she was missing an iPod, but she said hers was not among the ones found.
Burchwell said police were not certain if the iPods were stolen or if they belonged to Everson.
Schwandt confirmed that the football tickets were stolen and that some other property is still under investigation.
Everson was released from Boone County jail on Saturday at 9:18 a.m. on a $6,300 bond.
Minor said Residential Life can choose to remove or relocate a student. He said that Everson is still assigned to Defoe Hall, but Residential Life has reserved another room assignment in another residence hall if she chooses to move.
"We've identified an alternative location for her to reside," Minor said.
Schwandt said the investigation is ongoing.
"We're still working on returning the stolen items and identifying owners in order to return others," Schwandt said.