Third-degree felony charges of forgery were filed Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2004 against BYU mid-distance runner Aneta Lemiesz.

According to the case history obtained from the public records of the 4th District Court, BYU police investigated the alleged incident that occurred Nov. 19, 2003.

Lemiesz, a senior from Poland, is ranked No. 4 in the nation in the 800-meter event and is a member of the distance medley relay team that placed second at nationals in 2003 and is currently leading the nation with a time of 11:06.91.

According to the county attorney's office, felony cases sometimes take up to a year to be resolved. The attorney's office also said most felonies are deportable offenses.

An initial hearing is scheduled for March 11 - one day before the NCAA Indoor National Championships, which are scheduled to run March 12-15.

BYU police officers would not provide additional information into the investigation, citing state law that gives them three to five days to respond to record requests.

BYU track coach Craig Poole said he was not aware of any charges, but did say he was aware of an investigation involving thefts in the women's athletic locker room.

Poole also said BYU police have not asked him any questions or made any comments to him about the investigation.

Jeff Reynolds, associate director of athletic communications at BYU, said the coaching staff has been aware of the situation.

"The coaching staff will wait until the investigation is complete before making any decisions," Reynolds said.

Carri Jenkins, spokeswoman for BYU, said the university is aware of the situation.

"A review is now under way by the Honor Code Office," Jenkins said. "It will be an objective, fair and thorough review."

Jenkins said she could not say when the investigation would be complete.

"The process will complete itself," Jenkins said.

"Nationals will not have any impact on the decision date," Jenkins added. "Past decisions have been made right before national competitions that prevent BYU athletes from competing."

Reynolds reaffirmed the university is taking appropriate measures to deal with the situation.

"To anyone who says the university is trying to drag its feet to let Aneta compete in Nationals, I can assure you that is absolutely, 100 percent not true," Reynolds said.

University policy prevents coaches from commenting on Honor Code investigations, and encourages them not to comment on legal issues.

Poole said he would not take any action against Lemiesz' status until the Honor Code Office makes a final decision.

"I believe in the system, that people are innocent 'til proven guilty," Poole said. "It all depends on what the Honor Code decides."

Poole said he has not called any team meetings to address thefts in the locker room. However, he said he regularly tells his athletes to keep their belongings secure.

County attorney officials said sentences for felony charges depend on the criminal's past record, type of crime and total damages. The maximum penalty is 0-5 years in prison, and/or a $5000 fine.



Copyright Brigham Young University 19 Feb 2004