Neb's Banderas: Plan was to sell bikes on Internet

Published May. 14, 2014 3:34 p.m. ET

foxsports

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) Nebraska linebacker Josh Banderas told campus police he and a member of the men's track team planned to sell the bicycles they stole from racks near university housing units, according to a document released Wednesday.

Banderas and Keifer were arrested Monday after a man called police to report that he was watching two men cut bike locks and load bikes into the bed of a pickup. Lincoln police apprehended Banderas and Keifer in a pickup on the northeast side of campus. Seven mountain bikes were in the back of the pickup.

Banderas and Keifer were charged with felony theft by unlawful taking between $500 and $1,500. Each was released from jail after posting a $3,500 bond.

Officer Aaron Pemberton wrote in a probable cause affidavit that Banderas ''stated they took the bikes because he saw signs posted on the racks that UNL would cut the bikes after a certain date and take them as abandoned property.'' Banderas told police the plan was to sell the seven bikes over the Internet on eBay, Craiglist or similar websites.

The spring semester ended last week. UNL assistant police chief Charlotte Evans said notices posted at housing units tell students they have until May 21 to remove their bikes from racks. At that point, bikes will be removed and held by campus police for 30 days. After that, the bikes will be sold at auction.

Evans said no one is allowed to take a bike he or she doesn't own.

Messages were left for Terry Dougherty, the attorney for Banderas, and Brad Roth, the attorney for Keifer. Nebraska athletic department officials, including football coach Bo Pelini, have said they are aware of the arrests but have had no additional comment.

Banderas started four games at middle linebacker as a freshman last season. Keifer is a freshman distance runner on the track team.