More than $800 was reported missing from the office of Phi Theta Kappa, Mu Epsilon Chapter, according to Sgt. Geraldy Figaro of the Miami Dade College North Campus Public Safety Department.
Stolen were $841 dollars left inside an envelope stored in a desk in the honor society’s office located in Room 4210, public safety officials said. It is unclear if forced entry was used.
“Unfortunately there was a theft from the Phi Theta Kappa office,” PTK adviser Nora Dawkins said. “The incident is being handled in accordance with college policies and procedures, and measures are being taken to enhance the security of the organization.”
The incident was reported to public safety on Sept. 6, according to the College’s public safety log.
“The only thing this will do is show the mistakes of PTK,” said the group’s treasurer Heriberto Gallo when reached for comment by The Reporter. “Do not contact me for this again.”
Marcela Bermudez, the PTK president at North Campus, did not respond to an email from The Reporter concerning the matter.
It is unknown why the funds were left unattended.
Evelyn Rodriguez, North Campus Student Life director said all organizations must deposit any fund-raised monies at the bursar’s office the same day. If the bursar’s office is closed, they are to deposit it the next work day.
“Although they need to make a deposit, they can hold petty cash money to buy supplies for the next fundraiser,” Rodriguez said. “The amount of petty cash withheld is to the discretion of the student and the adviser.”
It is still unclear what PTK’s petty cash threshold is.
Dawkins says that the group will use this incident as a learning experience.
“[This was] a lesson that has made us more determined to work even harder to support our college, our community and our peers,” Dawkins said.
Monique O. Madan contributed to this report.
