Staff Report
Ten students were indicted Wednesday for their alleged involvement in theft at the UNM
Bookstore.
Students Christopher Dencklau, Richard Dencklau and William Swink are being charged with second and third degree felonies for multiple counts of embezzlement and larceny of more than $20,000. Each of them faces up to 16 years in prison if
convicted of both felonies.
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Court documents state the three students committed and intended to commit larceny between August 2004 and Au-
gust 2006.
Authorities started investigating the incident Aug. 10, after a Bookstore employee reported seeing co-workers stealing books and merchandise.
Students were taking books and other items and then reselling or using them, said Randy Boeglin, dean of students.
Five students are being charged with fourth degree felonies for receiving stolen property, and one other faces the same felony charge for embezzlement. If convicted, the students each face up to two years in prison.
One student is being charged with a misdemeanor for receiving stolen property. That student faces up to six months in jail.
At least four of the students indicted, including Swink and Richard Dencklau, were employees at the Bookstore.
Swink would not comment on the charges when reached by phone Wednesday. Christopher Dencklau and Richard Dencklau did not return calls or e-mails Wednesday.
The Bookstore lost about $50,000 in textbooks, but it is unknown how much was lost in merchandise, Boeglin said.
In September, UNM President David Harris said as much as $100,000 in merchandise and money was taken.
The University has disciplined students for their involvement, but five students have deferred a hearing with UNM's Judicial Affairs until the case is
concluded.
Boeglin said discipline included warnings, probation and suspension.
He would not say whether the three students charged with second and third degree felonies have been disciplined by UNM.
