SYCAMORE – The investigation into a Northern Illinois University employees’ “coffee fund” has led to felony arrest warrants for eight employees and a former associate vice president.

Nine warrants were issued Tuesday in connection with the coffee fund, a nonuniversity bank account into which NIU employees deposited proceeds from recycling scrap metal from university buildings.

Some are charged directly with coffee fund activities, while others are charged with attempting to conceal evidence or theft of university property, records show. The charges are based on activities that began in October 2009.