Charges against Sheldon dropped

By Libby John

Charges against NIU student Dan Sheldon were dismissed at his status hearing Wednesday.

Ron Matekaitis, DeKalb County state’s attorney, said the charges were dropped because Sheldon cooperated with the Amnesia investigation.

“His cooperation was the key in the investigation to bring the charges against Amnesia,” Matekaitis said.

The junior wide receiver on the NIU football team was charged with unlawful issuance of an identification card.

He was charged during the non-university affiliated football team recruit party that took place Dec. 5 at Amnesia night club, 1000 W. Lincoln Highway.

The manager of Amnesia, James Sanfilippo, told the party organizer to have people over 21 years old pass their IDs on to underage patrons that night. Patrons also were charged $10 at the door for an unlimited amount of draft beer, which is against the liquor ordinance.

Matekaitis also said Sheldon was prepared to testify against Amnesia, but the night club’s case never came to that.

The club currently is serving a suspension of its liquor license, and Sanfilippo no longer is manager.

However, Sheldon will be required to serve 50 hours of community service with the DeKalb Police Department.

Football coach Joe Novak said Sheldon will meet with the NIU Judicial Board, and a statement about whether Sheldon will receive further punishment from the team will be released after Spring Break.

Athletic Director Cary Groth said the judicial office was involved because initial reports suggested the Amnesia party was NIU-related. She said the judicial office probably will follow the police lead.

“Danny has gone through a lot,” she said. “I think he has learned his lesson.”

She said if Sheldon receives punishment from the team, it will come from Novak.

“This is a football issue,” she said.

Sheldon was unavailable for comment.