Daily Kent Stater

Add sexual imposition to the accusations being made against magazine solicitors who flooded campus this week.

Six more police reports filed between Thursday and Friday by students and faculty complained of unwanted solicitation. Although the names of two companies have repeatedly popped up in police reports, there is no conclusive proof the sellers are affiliated with New River Subscription or Circulation I.

Police declined to comment on the incidents, which are still under investigation. Kent State Lt. Carl Sweigert said the investigation should be completed soon.

Similar incidents have occurred in past years in which sales associates from magazine distributors use questionable tactics to peddle their magazines.

Camielle Christ, a sophomore business management major, said she was walking to her Olson Hall dorm Thursday when a 5-foot-6-inch male, who called himself "Mike," asked her if she wanted to purchase some magazines.

"He said that if he gets so many points, he could shave some girl's head, and he said you could cancel anytime," Christ said. Christ said she bought approximately $151 worth of magazines because she wanted to help him win the contest.

"Mike" proceeded to follow Christ to her dorm where he began to grope her and her roommate. They filed a report with the Kent State Police.

Another student, who wished to remain anonymous, said two attractive-looking males claiming to be members of a Kent State fraternity tried to sell them magazines at the Student Center Wednesday. After purchasing several magazines, one of the men "smacked her butt with a notebook and grabbed her breasts." The victims said she did not initially reject the suspects' advances because they perceived it as "playful" flirtation. The men, who identified themselves as "Tracey" and "Thomas," followed the women to their dorm rooms where they continued to touch them after the residents said they repeatedly rejected advances.

"I don't think it was meant to be violent, but it was meant to make us feel uncomfortable," she said. The company name on the receipt that the women received for their purchases was Circulation I, based in Rock Island, Ill. The Kent Stater was unable to reach Circulation I for comment because they have no listed phone number.

Other incidents reported did not involve sexual advances.

Student senator Jason Bogovich reported an incident that occurred near the library. Bogovich said he followed the suspects to the Ice Arena parking lot where he reported the incident to Greg Jarvie, Dean of Students and Ombudsman, and campus police. Several sales associates with Christiansburg, a Virginia-based New River Subscription Service, were cited for solicitation without a permit. Police warned the violators that if they returned they could face trespassing charges and would receive persona-non-grata status on campus.

Terry Ethridge, president of the New River Subscription Service, said the company is not responsible for the salespeople because they are working as independent contractors.

Ethridge said he sent a letter to all of the contractors stating they must register with the Kent State Police Department before selling on campus. New River was not involved in any incidents of sexual harassment, according to Ethridge. If any students have concerns regarding their orders Ethridge said they may call New River's corporate office at 1-800-435-3747 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.