The DA's decision not to prosecute the two paper thieves has weird reasoning. Something else must be going on.

The possibility of the students being suspended or expelled is far more serious than what the criminal justice system could offer, Adams said.

"Given the crime and the potential punishment I can hand out, (what the university can do) is much more punishment than getting an infraction," Adams said.

But that hinges on the University actually punishing the students! And it's unclear if this is going to happen.

Dean of Students Karen Kenney said the university is investigating the matter, but declined to comment further for reasons of confidentiality.

"We did receive a complaint and we're pursuing it," Kenney said.

So the question here is if the DA knows something we don't: did he coordinate with Ms. Kenney? How could he not have, if he knows what the punishment scale is like and is so seemingly confident that they'll be charged with something?

Ms. Kenney would have every reason to play this one close to the vest. It's a politically charged issue, exactly the kind that requires careful planning and discretion. It's also a huge headache for the Administration yet again if SJA goes ahead with prosecution, especially with the Michael Grey case hanging over their heads. (That's another possible reason for delay: uncertainity regarding the Grey case.)

Kudos to EIC Schewe for taking a hard line on thefts of his paper.

"It is disappointing that the DA has dropped these charges," Schewe said. "We need to establish a precedent that the theft of free newspapers on any scale is a crime and that UC disciplinary action alone will not uphold the universality of the right to free speech."

He could still file a civil action, presumably.Email This Post!