Eastern Michigan University’s Department of Public Safety police officers arrested Ayodeji Temi Loluwa Ogunade, an EMU student, March 17 for a string of larcenies occurring at the Rec/IM. There has been a series of thefts this year at the recreation center and police were able to link Ogunade to seven of those cases.
Police obtained a warrant to search Ogunade’s room from an investigation regarding a larceny that occurred on Feb. 9. Several students using the recreation center’s facilities reported missing belongings left in unlocked lockers.
At the time of Ogunade’s arrest, DPS investigators said he confessed to seven larcenies, but has since recanted his confession. Stolen credit cards and personal belongings from a victim were found in his possession upon investigation.
Ogunade is being charged with three felonious counts of possession or stealing of a financial transaction device without consent and three felonious counts of larceny in a building. Each count carries the possibility of a four-year prison sentence and a $5,000.00 fine. He is being tried in circuit court and has since been released on bond.
The Eastern Echo’s attempt for an interview or statement from Ogunade was rejected.
EMU Director of Student Judicial Services Jesus Hernandez confirmed that Ogunade was still a registered student and resident of EMU as of Tuesday afternoon.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act prevents EMU from disclosing any disciplinary measures or specifics about an investigation concerning a student with the public.
There are no other suspects for the crimes with which Ogunade has been charged, and DPS says that their investigation of the matter has been closed.
All further proceedings in the case will occur from the Washtenaw County Prosecutions Office and EMU’s Student Code of Conduct and Community Standards Department.