Unknown sanctions issued for joyriding

Kiley Mackie
Staff Writer
Mar. 4, 2004, Page 1

Further Doane sanctions have been issued against sophomore Sherri Chilcott for borrowing a friend’s car on false pretenses and attempting to drive to California with freshman Teresa Sorenson.
In addition to Chilcott’s removal as a residence assistant in Sheldon Hall, Kim Heier, dean of Student Leadership, administered further punishment in a private, formal hearing with Chilcott earlier this week.
Though Heier declined to comment on the sanction itself due to the sensitivity of the case, she said Chilcott appealed the decision to the student status/leadership committee.
The committee, which is comprised of faculty, staff and students, heard the appeal but decided to uphold the sanction.
Heier said that before she conducted the formal hearing, Chilcott had an informal hearing with Russ Hewitt, director of Residence Life.
After both hearings were over, Hewitt and Heier conferred on what was to be done.
“In student disciplinary cases, we take into account all factors,” Heier said. “We have to consider the ramifications the student’s actions had on other students.”
Chilcott has now had to face the music from both the Crete police and the college.
However, Sorenson has let at least half of the discord fall on deaf ears. Though both students have been issued formal charges of Unauthorized Use of a Propelled Vehicle, better known as “joyriding,” by County Attorney Ted Eickman, Sorenson has avoided Doane’s punishment by deciding not to return to campus.
“Teresa will not be coming back to school,” Heier said. “She removed herself on her own accord.”
Sorenson did not come to collect her belongings but had acquaintances pack and send them to her. Heier said her absence does not make her exempt from all Doane repercussions.
“Though Teresa is no longer a student here, the incident will be recorded in her record as well,” Heier said.
Heier said that she is unaware of Sorenson’s plans or whereabouts and refused to comment on Chilcott’s current status.

Students face charges

Kiley Mackie
Staff Writer
Feb. 26, 2004, Page 2

Punishment for sophomore Sherri Chilcott and freshman Teresa Sorenson's giant leap across the nation last week is progressing - in baby steps.
Though the extent of Doane sanctions is unknown, County Attorney Ted Eickman said legal charges are being pressed against the two for Unauthorized Use of a Propelled Vehicle, more commonly known as 'joy riding.'
In Nebraska, the state can press charges even if the victim chooses not to. Eickman said he made the decision to press charges based on the initial police report.
"I will always listen to the victim's wishes, but the final decision is mine," Eickman said. "There have been cases when the victim has asked to have the charges dropped and I pursued the case anyway."
Eickman said he received the case information Monday and that charges were filed with the court on Tuesday.
"The arraignment for both girls has been scheduled for March 16 at 1:30," Eickman said. "At the arraignment, the girls will enter their plea and a possible trial date will then be issued."
According to the Nebraska State Statutes, the offense is classified as a Class III Misdemeanor with a maximum punishment of three months in jail and/or $300 fine. There is no written minimum.
Both Russ Hewitt, director of Residence Life, and Rachel Schaefer, Residence Director of Hansen Hall, refused to comment on any repercussions from Doane.
Kim Heier, dean of Student Affairs said she has been unable to work on the case due to the recent Frees Hall flooding.
Thus far, the only evident sanction has been Chilcott's removal as a Sheldon Hall Residence Assistant.