By Jonathan Katz Daily Kent Stater
It appears as though the "magazine gypsies" have moved on and possibly out of Kent permanently.
A magazine subscription service accused of improper sales tactics and university policy violations has vowed never to send solicitors to Kent State again without a proper permit.
"All orders have been processed, and we'll make sure that New River Subscription does not work on your campus ever again -- without legally being registered," said Terry Ethridge, president of New River Subscription Service, Inc.
Kent State police have suspended their investigation because of a lack of evidence that the solicitors engaged in sexual imposition, criminal trespass, disorderly conduct and policy violations while on campus at the beginning of the semester, according to a police report.
Between Aug. 30 and Sept. 1, several female students said they were approached by men who told them if they bought a certain number of magazine subscriptions the solicitors could win contests. Some female students alleged that they were touched on the buttocks and breasts by the suspects who eventually followed them to their dorm rooms.
On Sept. 1 police in Wadsworth pulled over a 1998 maroon Dodge van with Virginia license plates that matched a description of the vehicle the suspects were traveling in. The more than 12 occupants inside were hesitant to provide identification when asked. Police later discovered that they were all employees of the Christansburg, Va.-based New River and Crown Super Cleaner. But none of the names they obtained matched the suspects they were looking for, the report said.
The Dodge's occupants said they were traveling to East Lansing, Mich., where Michigan State University is located. Police suspended the investigation because there were no witnesses to those touched in the alleged sexual imposition, and police were unable to positively identify the suspects who trespassed on campus.
The University of Akron reported an incident Sept. 1 in which a female student purchased magazines from a solicitor, according to University of Akron Police Lt. Alan Grad. The student feared that she may not get her subscription because of a warning about the Kent State solicitors posted in the Akron residence halls. Grad said he assured the student that the subscription service was legitimate.
Ethridge said the sales associates did nothing wrong, and they were just doing their job.
"As far as it goes the kids were out selling magazines to make a living," he said. "They make a living doing that. They win trips, and they win bonuses. They really haven't done nothing wrong. They're just out working like any other person."
If any student has a problem with his or her order, Ethridge said that student may contact the company at 1-800-435-3747, and it will refund the money.