Man how did you all get caught for this Florida Tech!
Lenoxxx
Fla. Tech fraternity under investigation
Stolen city signs prompt school officials to act
BY LOURDES BRIZ
FLORIDA TODAY
Administrators at Florida Tech are investigating Lambda Chi Alpha, one of six fraternities on campus, after Palm Bay police discovered a stash of stolen signs in a member's home.
Officer George Santiago said he saw the signs, which were stacked outside an apartment at the Vinings, 1000 Palm Place Drive N.E., while investigating another crime earlier this week.
He was told that the signs had been passed down as a tradition and a $600 "Welcome to Melbourne" sign had been a fraternity favorite and was used as a table.
"Right now, the Dean of Students Office is investigating and gathering information to determine if the university will be taking any formal action against the fraternity itself or just the individuals involved," said Jay Wilson, director of university communications.
The Palm Bay Police Department referred the case to the Melbourne Police Department because the signs likely were stolen in that jurisdiction.
Melbourne Police Sgt. Sean Riordan said Friday the State Attorney's Office is reviewing the case. The fraternity member could face charges of possession of stolen property.
Lambda Chi Alpha, a 55-member fraternity, has not been suspended from campus. Wilson said administrators must determine whether the theft involved the chapter or just a few of its members. He said the person responsible could face anything from a warning to expulsion.
Riordan said stealing road signs might seem like an innocent prank, but can be dangerous. The stolen signs included stop signs and one-way signs.
"It may be cool to have these signs in their room or apartment, but it's not so cool when that sign is used to control traffic and you took it from an intersection where a family could be going through and another vehicle wouldn't stop," he said. "People don't think about that," he said.
Contact Briz at 409-1422 or
lbriz@flatoday.net
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