Lehigh University class president accused of robbing a bank had a gambling problem
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A Lehigh University class president accused of robbing a bank had a gambling problem and had lost about $5,000, his lawyer said.
Greg Hogan, 19, the son of a Baptist minister, handed a note to a teller at the bank around 3 p.m. Friday, saying he had a gun and wanted money, authorities said. Police said he got away with $2,871.
Hogan was picked up at his fraternity house later Friday and charged with robbery, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.
The finance and accounting major had been playing online poker for months to blow off steam and the hobby quickly became an addiction, according to his lawyer, John Waldron.
"This is one of the nicest kids I've ever met, but his gambling addiction led him to make a terrible, terrible mistake," Waldron said. "There's so much good in this kid. It easily outweighs this one bad mistake."
Hogan, who faces a preliminary hearing Jan. 31, was a former fraternity rush chairman and a cellist in the university's orchestra. His father, the Rev. Gregory J. Hogan, is the pastor of First Baptist Church of Barberton in Barberton, Ohio, and has served as a city councilman in Seven Hills, Ohio.
After leaving the bank, police said, Hogan drove off with two of his fraternity brothers. Both told police they knew nothing of Hogan's plans, and neither has been charged.
Waldron said he has hired a forensic psychologist to evaluate his client.
"Why would such a good kid with so much promise do this?" Waldron said. "We know he had a gambling addiction, but why didn't he seek other options?"
University spokeswoman Dina Silver said the student judicial system will decide Hogan's future at the school. For now, Waldron said, he won't be attending classes.
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