An MSU winterguard director was charged March 6 for engaging in organized criminal activity theft of $22,695.
Michael Deshun Christian, who has also worked for Bright Ideas Charter School and Rider High School, has not been indicted on the charge yet.
Even though Christian is listed on the MSU website as the guard director, Dianne Weakley, director of human resources, said he was never an MSU employee.
“We do background checks on all employees, except students,” Weakley said. “(Christian) has been paid though the business office as a vendor.”
Five separate theft incidents were reported to the Wichita Falls Police Department.
According to the affidavit for arrest warrant, Christian faxed purchase orders to five businesses in the marching or guard industry, stating it was for Hamilton School, an institution that does not exist.
Christian listed the contact people for these purchases as Andrea Pearle and Gregory Lucas. Police are still trying to determine if these people actually exist.
MSU winter guard members told The Wichitan that they were shocked and hurt when they heard the news of Christian’s arrest.
“We don’t know about the team’s status for next year,” said a guard member who asked to remain anonymous. “That is up to the university, but we really hope the program doesn’t get shut down.”
In 2010, Christian became an independent contractor for MSU for $2,000 a year.
Dr. Juan Sandoval, vice president of business affairs and finance, said Christian dictated his own timetable.
“He did an excellent job of working with our guard,” said Alan Black, associate director of bands. “We are all as shocked as everyone else that these things have happened.”
