An unattended laptop was stolen from White Hall on Sept. 12. The theft was reported and surveillance cameras in White Hall lead police to charge 38-year-old Kent resident Damien Ferrell for the crime.

The laptop was left alone and stolen out of the academic hall sometime between the hours of 3 p.m. Sept. 12 and 8 a.m. on Sept. 13. It has since been returned to the owner.

Police watching surveillance footage recognized the man, who has been active in the Kent State court system before, and the laptop was found in his possession. Ferrell awaits trial at the Office of Student Conduct and faces receiving “persona non grata,” which in Latin means “unwelcome person.” If Ferrell receives persona non grata, he will no longer be welcome on the Kent State campus and if caught will be arrested for criminal trespassing, said Chris Jenkins, Kent State police lieutenant.

Jenkins said leaving things unattended and out in the open is welcoming a crime of opportunity.

“Keep an eye on your belongings; don’t leave them out,” Jenkins said. “If you see someone you don’t recognize or someone who looks suspicious, don’t hesitate to call the police.”

Contact Cassandra Beck at [email protected].