The Daily Collegian reported that the USG Vice President Takeem Morgan was charged with theft and receiving stolen property ("USG VP in Court for Theft," Sept. 26). The unfortunate circumstance surrounding these happenings is that no one in Undergraduate Student Government (USG) or elsewhere is willing to discuss the ramifications of these charges.

In committing these acts, Morgan has betrayed the public trust. Morgan attempts to paint his indiscretion as a minor infraction, but that is far from the truth. Morgan, knowingly and by his own admissions, stole a bike. These charges are serious and could result in possible jail time if Morgan is found guilty. By committing such a crime, Morgan has made it extremely hard to be taken seriously when dealing with local and administrative officials. How serious do you think the mayor of State College or any Borough Council member will take Morgan, who justified his theft by calling the bike "clearly abandoned" because it was in poor condition? An impending trial and possible Judicial Affairs proceedings will also distract Morgan from the duties of his position. The stress of a criminal trial will divert his attention away from the important job of representing the student body. Also, possible sanctions in Judicial Affairs, stemming from the off-campus misconduct policy, could force Morgan to resign his position before his term ends. A resignation part way into the year will handicap the USG executives in fulfilling their campaign promises. Morgan has breached the trust with the public that elected him.

Because of potential distractions and possible sanctions, USG should be more willing to discuss the issue with the public instead of stating "no comment" as they have thus far.