A preliminary hearing for two NIU basketball players charged with theft of a check is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Sycamore.

NIU students Brian Banks, 20, 9130 S. Merrill, Chicago, and Antwon Harmon, 19, 6911 S. Dorchester, Chicago, received a warrant for their arrests on Sept. 26 for a March 27 incident in which they deposited an unsigned check for $600 into the Automatic Teller Machine at the Village Commons Bookstore, 901 Lucinda Ave., courthouse reports state.

The reports indicate that the check, property of the DeKalb Bank, was obtained by deception. After deposit, Banks and Harmon made withdrawals against the funds, the reports state.

Banks and Harmon pleaded not guilty to the charges, court records state.

Banks is suspended from the basketball team for the year, Coach Jim Rosborough said. However, when asked if Harmon was still practicing, he said, “As far as I know.”

Assistant State’s Attorney Duke Harris said a preliminary hearing determines whether there is probable cause for a trial. To determine probable cause, evidence is presented by both sides.

Felony theft is a Class III probational offense, with a maximum penalty of five years in jail and a $10,000 fine, Harris said.