SYCAMORE – Six of nine people charged in connection with the Northern Illinois University “coffee fund” investigation made their first appearances in court Friday.

Robert Albanese, Keenon Darlinger, Keith Jackson, Lawrence Murray, Kenneth Pugh and Susan Zahm appeared before Associate Judge Bill Brady at the DeKalb County Courthouse.

Brady read the charges against each and the sentencing ranges they face if convicted. Some face theft charges that carry a penalty of up to seven years in prison, others face less severe penalties.