The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

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Braswell’s son, CSUN players face charges for alleged burglary at local Best Buy

Alonso Tacanga

Sports Editor

The son of CSUN men’s basketball Head Coach Bobby Braswell, Jeffrey Robert Braswell, along with two players – team leading-scorer, senior Deon Tresvant and freshman guard Dallas Rutherford – have been charged with commercial burglary and grand theft for allegedly stealing more than $6,600 in merchandise from a Best Buy located in Porter Ranch on New Year’s Day. A fourth person, Phannuel Gbewonyo, 28, was also among the ones charged.

“I have no idea what’s going on with that,” Tresvant said during a telephone conversation that was cut short on Tuesday. “I don’t know anything about that.”

The younger Braswell, who – as of the date of the alleged incident – worked for the store, has been accused of logging into a cash register using the password of an employee who had the day off and allowing Tresvant, Rutherford and Gbewonyo to check out items without paying for them. The thefts were discovered when Best Buy officials found a discrepancy at the register.

Braswell is charged with one count of second-degree commercial burglary and three counts of grand theft over $400. Gbewonyo, Tresvant and Rutherford are charged with one count each of second-degree commercial burglary and grand theft over $400

Braswell, who was arrested Jan. 3, was still being held on $60,000 bail as of early Tuesday. His three co-defendants (who were arrested Jan. 5), however, were released Monday after posting $20,000 bail each.

Tresvant, Rutherford and Gbewonyo are scheduled to appear at San Fernando Superior Court on Jan. 26.

“Obviously, I’m disappointed with the circumstances that have taken place with my son Jeffrey and the allegations regarding Deon [Tresvant] and Dallas [Rutherford],” Bobby Braswell said in a statement. “At this point, we will allow the judicial process to unfold. As far as my son’s involvement, it is a private matter that my family and support system will deal with.”

The future of Tresvant and Rutherford as Matadors is uncertain. The senior averaged 21 points in his last four games. Rutherford is the son of Dudley Rutherford, pastor of the Shepherd of the Hills church in Porter Ranch. Rutherford’s sister, Kayla, is also a member of the Northridge basketball family. She plays on the women’s team.

“The playing status of the two team members is undetermined at this point in time as it is still early in the investigation process,” said Assistant Athletic Director Bob Vazquez, quoting a statement released by the university Tuesday.

On Monday night, Tresvant and Rutherford were nowhere in sight at The Matadome, where CSUN was facing UC Davis for a Big West Conference game. The Matadors ended up winning the match 84-81 behind 25 points from Tremaine Townsend. At the subsequent press conference, Townsend along with teammates Josh Jenkins and Rob Haynes opened up the round of interviews by saying they wouldn’t answer questions related to “teammates not being present.”

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