Key returned to residence hall staff

By Anna Koeppel

Published Nov. 30, 2007

A key that unlocks every door on the third floor of Mark Twain residence hall was recovered shortly after it was noticed missing Wednesday.

The key was returned to a hall staff member by slipping the key under the staff member's door, Residential Life Director Frankie Minor said.

A person has confessed the theft to police, Minor said.

"We know that the key was taken intentionally in what was obviously an instance of bad judgment," Minor said. "Someone took the key, making a poor decision to do so, but I think very shortly realized the seriousness of their actions and the key was returned to us."

Minor said he did not believe the person who returned the key was the same person who originally took it.

"We believe the person who turned it in was doing so as a favor for the person who took it," he said.

According to a notice from the Department of Residential Life posted in Mark Twain, the key was noticed missing minutes after it had last been used. The Department of Residential Life worked with MU Police and Mark Twain residents and staff to identify the persons responsible for the theft, Minor said.

MU Police could not be reached for comment.

The sub-master key was missing for a short period of time, Minor said. Sub-master keys open only doors on one floor, and only staff who need such a key have access to one.

Minor said the custodial staff who clean bathrooms every other week had the key at the time it was taken.

"They have to obtain the key from their supervisor and use it just for the period of time that they need it and return it," Minor said.