Although two boys have been implicated in the Holmes Student Center arson fire, the payment of the offered $1,000 reward will not be made until further information concerning the case can be studied.

James Harder, NIU vice president for business and operations, said a recipient for the award has not been chosen “at this point.”

Harder said the reward indicated that the money would be given after the arrest and conviction of the person or people involved in the recent acts of vandalism and arson on campus. Because an arrest and conviction has not been made, Harder is unsure of the reward’s status, he said.

Harder said he is reviewing the case before further action involving the reward is taken.

“It is premature to think about the reward,” he said.

Director of Public Safety James Elliot said two boys were implicated in the arson fire that caused about $25,000 in damages, but no one came forward with enough information that would deem them a recipient of the reward.

The boys’ implication in the fire “was the result of good detective work” on the part of the University Police Department, he said.

Elliot said it “would not be appropriate” for NIU to grant the reward money to the UPs because they are part of the university.

NIU President John LaTourette announced the reward Feb. 1 in hopes that people with information about the student center fire would come forward.

Two boys, ages 11 and 12, were implicated March 29 by the UPs in the student center fire and seven other fires on campus. The boys also are believed to be responsible for six office burglaries on campus.

The combined dollar loss from the incidents totals at least $27,000.

The boys’ cases were referred to the DeKalb County Juvenile Court Services for further action. The DeKalb County State’s Attorney’s Office will act as a consultant in the matter.