Giving out sensitive information to campus solicitors could prove to be a costly mistake – Sacramento State students could be giving their addresses and phone numbers to violent criminals.

Campus police interrogated a solicitor last month who turned out to have a criminal record.

“If they (the solicitors) are not between the ramp and the Union, or in front of the bookstore, 99 percent of the time what they’re doing is not approved under university policy,” said Lou Camera, director of Student Activities.

Many students are unaware of the areas on campus that are sanctioned for vendors to conduct business.

In March, three men who claimed to be magazine solicitors made lewd, sexual comments to a 15-year-old girl visiting campus, said Leonard Valdez, director of the Multicultural Center. The unidentified minor contacted Valdez.

“I confronted (them) and asked for them to leave campus,” said Valdez. “They refused, so I called police.”

The solicitors left the immediate vicinity, but told Valdez they would not leave campus–they would simply move to another part of Sac State. Undaunted by the threat, Valdez tailed the solicitors, who split up to avoid pursuit.

Valdez, however, spotted one of the men conducting business at the entrance of the University Union and called university police.

The campus police questioned the solicitor and advised him to leave.

“During the questioning, it was determined that this man was on parole for armed robbery and assault,” Valdez said. “He had in his possession various addresses, phone numbers and names of women–I don’t know if he was allowed to keep them.”

“We’re restricted to what a person can do on public grounds–I would love to just kick them off and confiscate their material, or have them detained for some time–that’s not part of California law, which deals only with time, place and manner,” Camera said. “It wouldn’t surprise me if (the solicitor) was allowed to keep the names and addresses.”

Police Public Information Officer John Hamrick recognized the need for students to be wary of solicitors.

“The big issue is that you don’t know who you’re dealing with and you don’t know who you can complain to if the vendor doesn’t fulfill their end of the bargain,” said Hamrick said. “It’s better to stick with established means of conducting a business. It’s like they’re here today and gone tomorrow.”

“If you’re intrigued by what they’re selling, ask for written material and a way to contact them,” Hamrick said. “Talk to your friends, family and student activities to see if they’re a legitimate business on campus–if not, why are they here?”

The incident was similar to an earlier arrest in 2001 where two credit card vendors were found to have criminal records. One had a three-page rap sheet, and the other had an outstanding felony warrant for his apprehension. The credit card company responsible, Citibank, was banned from campus.

Valdez has extensive experience in the arena of illicit on-campus dealings – and as a father, has deep feelings concerning on-campus solicitation.

“I have a daughter and kids–as a parent, I would want to protect them. From that point of view, I’m concerned,” Valdez said.

Click here to send private feedback about this article to the State Hornet’s News staff.