SYCAMORE – The eight remaining Northern Illinois University employees facing criminal charges in connection with the "coffee fund" investigation might not follow their former supervisor's lead of entering a plea agreement.

Defense attorneys for two of the remaining defendants insist their clients did nothing wrong. Meanwhile, a Chicago legal expert cautioned a felony conviction would strip them of their pension and any conviction could risk their university jobs.

The coffee fund was an off-the-books repository for proceeds from the sale of NIU-owned scrap metal and other materials. The account accumulated at least $13,000 since 2005 but held $2,187 when it was closed in August. The money was used for office retirement parties and similar expenses, NIU officials have said.