SYCAMORE – Criminal charges have been dropped against one of the eight Northern Illinois University employees charged in connection with the "coffee fund" scrap metal recycling operation.

DeKalb County State's Attorney Richard Schmack dropped charges against Keenon Darlinger, of DeKalb. Darlinger had been charged with theft, official misconduct and violating the State Property Control Act for allegedly mishandling between $500 and $10,000 worth of recycleable material between Oct. 12, 2009 and Oct. 12, 2012.

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.