Cornerstone criminal
As an alumnus (1971) and criminal defense attorney in College Park, I read the article on the employee charity scam at the Cornerstone Grill and Loft. Obviously, Yong Xu’s behavior and deceptions are reprehensible. Less obvious is the fact that the allegations of the fraud, perpetrated and perpetuated by him, are possibly criminal conduct. It seems that these acts constitute theft, by deception, by Xu. Given the sums involved, he could be charged with felony theft, subjecting him to up to 15 years imprisonment and a $25,000 fine if convicted and certainly flagging any attempt he might make to return to the United States, assuming he is not a U.S. citizen. If an arrest warrant is issued, he would probably be stopped and arrested at immigration. These are issues that the aggrieved persons might pursue with the University Police.
Steven M. Jacoby Attorney at LawCollege Park, Md.
Meet and Greek
As a new school year dawns upon the university community, I would like to take this opportunity to grant best wishes to all for a successful year on behalf of myself and the other charter brothers of Phi Kappa Psi. I have recently returned from studying abroad – an experience I recommend to all – to finish my undergraduate experience among all the seemingly familiar. But while legions of squirrels still call our campus home, I see new opportunity as well. With every new semester, the Greek community has the pleasure of extending its ideals of fellowship and service to new members. I encourage my fellow Terps to pay attention to the events happening around them on campus through the upcoming week. On a campus as large as this one, it can be very important to find your niche among the crowd. Whether you came to campus knowing you were destined to live on the Fraternity Row or never before considered adorning yourself with some three-letter combination of symbols developed in the ninth century B.C., feel free to get involved. And be spontaneous; if you have a few minutes to kill and see an event going on, check it out. Once you take that first step, take the time to seek out an organization in which you really feel comfortable; though the Greek community shares common ideals, each group is unique. Look into your full range of options, from the houses on the Fraternity Row, to newly chartered chapters such as Phi Kappa Psi, to the coed, professional fraternities. Because no matter what group you join, the Greek community will grow stronger as a whole. And with a vibrant Greek society, the student body will be more able to give back to the university and its surrounding community in order to make this world a better place to live and learn.
Benjamin BrownSeniorFinance and Operations Management
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