Two University of Alaska Fairbanks athletes and a staff member of the financial aid office are facing charges for the string of burglaries that hit the student apartments during opening week.

Junior Chris Jordan, 20, of Houston, Texas, was the lead-scorer for the UAF basketball team. He and freshman basketball player Chris Adams, 23, of San Bernadino, Calif., were both charged Thursday with five counts of burglary in the first degree, three counts of theft in the third degree, and criminal use of a computer.

Jordan has also been charged with criminal mischief and possession and intent to sell drugs, and Adams has also been charged with tampering with evidence, according to court records. Both Jordan and Adams are facing felonies.

Mina Nix, 30, who was the veterans' service coordinator for the UAF Financial Aid Department according to the UAF financial aid Web site, has been charged with holding stolen property. She is also facing felonies, according to court records.

After one of the stolen computers was tracked to an apartment in the Cutler Apartment Complex on Sept. 7, a search of the apartment led to the recovery of more of the stolen items and the discovery of all three of the individuals involved, said the University Police Department in a statement on Sept. 15.

Local Fairbanks lawyer William R. Satterberg, who has a history of representing UAF basketball players, is representing Jordan.

In 2002, Satterberg represented freshman back-up point guard Cameron Watts, who pleaded guilty to kidnapping and sexually assaulting his former girlfriend, according to the Juneau Empire.

Satterberg expressed disappointment in the arrest of Jordan.

"I didn't think it was necessary," Satterberg said about Jordan's arrest.

He was hoping that the matter could be resolved without Jordan being arrested.

"I am not very pleased with the University Police Department," Satterberg said. "I don't think it required all of the excitement."

Jordan had been contacted before his arrest and had no comment on the situation.

Jordan is currently engaged to Ashley Jones, 20, of Katy, Texas, according to Jordan's MySpace and Facebook pages. Jones' latest MySpace comment to Jordan on Sept. 23 said, "I love you so much angel, I['m] not leaving no matter how hard things get."

Athletic Director Forrest Karr made the decision to remove both players from the team before the charges were made.

"I knew within 20 minutes of hearing about the situation what kind of decision I was going to make in regards to the athletic department," he said.

Karr had no comment about the charges.

"The recent indictment of two men's basketball players on theft charges is sad and embarrassing for the young men and the program," said Coach Frank Ostanik in a statement on Friday.

Ostanik provided some assurance that although the team may have to play a little differently, "we are taking steps to develop all of the players in our program and pave the way for a successful season."

The athletic department expects the team to be prepared for the season-opening games.

"We have a mixture of strong, experienced players and talented young players who are all working very hard right now," Ostanik said.

UPD Lt. Syrilyn Tong is unsure about when students will receive their stolen computers and other items.

"There's a possibility that pictures of the computers can be taken and kept as evidence," Tong said, so that the stolen laptops can be returned to the owners. It's a decision to be made by the district attorney, she said.

Director of Residence Life Kevin Huddy emphasized the importance of keeping laptops locked and valuables out of sight.

“If you make crime even slightly more difficult, you dramatically reduce the chances of becoming a victim,” Huddy said.

He also offered a list of valuable tips when it comes to keeping your housing safe and your things secure.

“Keep doors and windows locked, even when at home. Use a fireproof lock box for small valuables. Mark valuables with identifying information, record serial numbers, and take pictures of valuables. Report suspicious activity or people and do not let non-residents into your residence hall. Insure your belongings,” Huddy said.