Two Nicholls faculty/staff members moved to Santa’s naughty list during the break after they were arrested. Nicholls’ 13-year head golf coach James Shilling and associate professor of psychology Dwight Boudreaux are both accused of theft and were arrested in December. Both have yet to be convicted for their accused crimes.

Boudreaux is accused of stealing a notebook computer from the University. The computer was reported missing from Polk Hall on July 13.

University computers have tracking software that activates when a computer is logged onto the Internet. A tracking technician notified University Police on Nov. 16 that the computer had been activated and traced to Boudreaux’s house.

Boudreaux admitted to having the computer in his possession but said that he didn’t steal it. However, the witness he called on to testify his honesty said Boudreaux was lying.

Boudreaux turned himself in to police on Dec. 2, a day after a warrant for his arrest was issued. He was booked on a theft charged and later released after a $500 bond.

In a previous interview with the Houma Courier, Boudreaux said, “I’m appalled and saddened by these accusations” and that the allegations towards him are “embarrassing.”

Towards the end of December, Shilling was arrested and accused of stealing over $6,000 from the Bayou Country Club, where he has been the club’s head golf pro since 2002.

The Country Club notified investigators and started searching in December when they noticed the missing money.

Since March 2007, Shilling has been accused of taking small amounts of money from cash receipts. At this time, investigators have not linked the money in association with the Nicholls or the Athletic Department.

Shilling was booked on charges of theft and later released after a $1,000 bail. If convicted, Shilling can face up to 10 years in prison.

In a previous interview with the Houma Courier, Rob Bernardi, athletics director, said, “Shilling is the current golf coach at Nicholls, and he is the golf coach until otherwise.”

Nicholls does not comment on personnel matter.

James Shilling, head golf coach at Nicholls, was accused of theft in December. Shilling has yet to be convicted of a crime and is still the current golf coach at Nicholls. (Houma Courier)