An NIU employee has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge, in connection with a case indirectly related to the “coffee fund” scandal.

52-year-old Lawrence Murray from Rochelle entered a guilty plea to violating the State Property Control Act; he admitted taking university property for his own use without proper authorization.  He was sentenced to 16 months court supervision; if he complies with the terms, then a conviction won’t be entered into his record. 

Murray will also have to pay a fine, and repay $4,000 to the university.

His case came to light in connection with the “coffee fund” matter; this was a private account used to hold university monies…specifically, the proceeds from the sale of recyclable materials belonging to NIU.

Nine persons were originally charged in the case; charges were dropped against six of them, while Murray’s sentence is similar to one handed down to former NIU Vice President Robert Albanese.  A final defendant is set to appear in court next month.