Carly Q. Romalino

@CarlyQRomalino

GLASSBORO - Nine Rowan University students are charged with theft of more than $35,000 for allegedly loading university debit cards through fake returns at a convenience store, according to Glassboro Police.

Last month, Rowan officials reported suspicious activity at a Rowan Boulevard 7-Eleven related to the university's Rowan Card and Boro Bucks, a debit system for students allowing them to make purchases at participating local businesses.

Investigators allege Rowan student and 7-Eleven employee Kwadwo Brefo-Boateng, 21, was crediting his and friends' Boro Bucks accounts. The Lindenwold man had allegedly entered numerous merchandise returns, resulting in fraudulent credits to the Boro Bucks accounts, police said.

Five students were found to have allegedly received the money, according to police.

Rowan prof brings Jazz Age to life

The fraudulent returns resulted in a $35,000 loss to the store, police said.

Brefo-Boateng turned himself in to Glassboro Police on Jan. 14. He posted $7,500 full cash bail.

A judge set bail at $1,000 for eight students charged with theft.

Stephen Cobb, 20, of Pennsauken, was arrested Jan. 14 and posted bail. James Mack, 20, of Sicklerville, was arrested Jan. 17 and posted bail.

Hearing set for Rowan Boulevard expansion

LeaQuan James, 20, of Sicklerville, turned himself in Jan. 18. He is held at Salem County Jail.

Malik Bard, 21, of Vineland, turned himself in Jan. 19 and posted bail. Jamal Clark, 20, of Pine Hill, turned himself in Jan. 20 and posted bail.

Three more students were charged with theft and issued summonses to appear in court: Karina Florez, 19, of Atlantic City; Johnel Anderson, 23, of Sicklerville; and Alim Bowden, 20, of Jersey City.

Carly Q., Romalino; (856) 486-2476; cromalino@gannettnj.com