The suspects, identified as 20-year-old Raymond Fredson and 25-year-old Jean Charles, allegedly stole three laptop computers, three backpacks and multiple other items from four members of the fraternity. The men performed with the band but are not official members, RaRaM spokesperson Max St. Arromand said.
The anthropology department, along with other departments and administrative offices, sponsored the 20-person band to perform Haitian music at Collis Common Ground on Wednesday. The group's music focuses on themes of national and cultural divides.
After their performance, Psi U members allowed some of the band, including Fredson and Charles, into the fraternity's house, fraternity member Ryan Strain '16 said.
"I think they were assumed to be kind of a benevolent group, and we thought we could let them in and enjoy their presence," Psi U president Luke Suydam '14 said.
Strain, who was among members whose property was stolen, said house members left their coats and bags in a side room at the house. Strain received text messages from other fraternity members Thursday morning indicating that their belongings had disappeared.
The group called Safety and Security, who referred the incident to Hanover Police.
"I think Hanover Police did a great job given the time frame we reported it," Suydam said. "By two to three o'clock they knew who the suspects were and I believe had arrested them, knew where all of the belongings were and had them in their possession."
Nick Allen '14 saw RaRaM de NY perform in his Global Sounds class on Wednesday and said they spoke at length about spreading Haitian music and tradition to the streets of New York.
"It was totally entertaining," he said. "Their music was energetic and inclusive and they made a real effort to involve the entire class."
Because of his positive experience, Allen said he was surprised by the individuals' alleged actions.
"It came as a shock to me, to learn what they did at Psi U and before, and it seemed out of character for a group as I experienced them," he said.
Police officer Richard Paulsen responded to the calls from fraternity members at 12:31 p.m. on Thursday, and the robbery took place between 10:30 p.m. and 3 a.m the night before. Police later recovered the stolen items, which have been returned or are currently in the process of being returned.
Fredson has been charged with theft by unauthorized taking and receiving stolen property, while Charles faces three counts of receiving stolen property. Fredson and Charles were arraigned in the New Hampshire Second Circuit Court on Oct. 11.
College spokesperson Justin Anderson declined to comment. Hanover Police and anthropology department faculty could not be reached for comment by press time.
