Files stolen from UNC Honor Court office

Campus police said Monday that they were investigating a burglary of a student affairs building at the University of North Carolina campus in which confidential files were stolen from the UNC Honor Court.

The break-in at the Student and Academic Services Building North occurred sometime after 5:30 p.m. Friday and was discovered Monday morning, police said. A wall and a window were damaged, and the records for 31 students were taken, police said.

Investigators didn't say whether the files were easily accessible or if the thieves had to search for it. They also didn't disclose whether the files were for pending or past cases.

The Honor Court hears cases where students are accused of academic and other misconduct and, if necessary, decides the appropriate punishment.

UNC officials said they were trying to contact each of the 31 students Monday to inform them of the theft. Investigators wouldn't say whether they suspected any of the students in the crime.

Officials also declined today to answer questions about how the Honor Court records are secured and if anybody faces disciplinary action because of the theft.

Anyone with information about the case was asked to call UNC investigator Ross Barbee at 919-962-0564 or Crime Stoppers at 919-942-7515.