As a result of the investigation, Campus Police identified the man as a private investigator from Northampton, hired by a defense attorney for a teenager from Warren, Mass.
On Dec. 10, 2006, the teenager was arrested and charged for breaking and entering, causing a false fire alarm in the Athletic Complex, and for wanton destruction of property. Physical Plant custodial workers had to work through the night to get the building in order for the next business day. Physical Plant assessed the damage to be approximately $3,000.
The teenager was later released on bail after processing by the Amherst Town Police and given a notice of trespass from the College.
Attempting to locate witnesses for the case, the investigator, who had not checked in with Campus Police, approached several students, some who were in their rooms. Since then, Campus Police has contacted the investigator and told him not to return to campus without first contacting them.
the trespasser, 18, had graduated last June with honors from Holy Name Central Catholic High School, in Worcester, Mass. He is currently believed to be unemployed.
According to Amherst College Police Chief John Carter, law enforcement officers or private investigators must check in with the Amherst College Police before conducting investigations on campus.
Furthermore, he commented that it is easy to identify unauthorized personnel in residential halls. "No one should be working in the residence halls unless they are members of Amherst College's service departments or a verified contractor. These people will have photo-identification plainly displayed," he said. "This is a perfect opportunity to remind community members to call the police whenever they encounter any suspicious people."