Former Purdue University associate dean Robert P. "Pablo" Malavenda will tentatively stand trial in January on accusations that he stole pumpkins, smoke alarms, light bulbs and bedding from the West Lafayette Walmart last month.
The 50-year-old Malavenda made his first court appearance this morning before Judge Les Meade of Tippecanoe Superior Court 5. Malavenda pleaded not guilty - standard practice during initial hearings - to charges of theft, a Class D felony, and conversion, a Class A misdemeanor.
Outside the courtroom, Malavenda shook his head and said "no" when asked whether he had any comment to make about the accusations that ultimately led to his termination from Purdue on Oct. 28.
As associate dean, Malavenda oversaw more than 690 student activities and organizations on the West Lafayette campus, which included fraternities, sororities and independent housing units.
He further was in charge of handing out discipline when those organizations broke student codes of conduct, such as hazing or serving alcohol to minors.
Under Purdue's policies, Malavenda can appeal his firing. University spokeswoman Jeanne Norberg referred questions on whether an appeal has been filed to Malavenda himself.
The charges against Malavenda stem from events on Oct. 8, when he allegedly was caught on store surveillance camera returning $160.17 worth of items that he did not actually purchase.
Investigators allege that Malavenda initially bought smoke alarms and bedding from Walmart at 2801 Northwestern Ave., then walked back into the store with his receipt and empty, reusable shopping bags.
He's accused of grabbing the same items to return.
Investigators allege that Malavenda then took light bulbs and pumpkins on his way outside.
Marta Brawner is serving as interim dean of students while Purdue conducts a search to fill the position.
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