NEWARK, DE -- University of Delaware football head coach K.C. Keeler said Friday that he disputes recent burglary charges brought against junior Julian James and that the backup defensive tackle will play in this Saturday’s game vs. Monmouth.

Newark Police announced earlier Friday that James was charged with burglary second degree, felony theft, and criminal mischief. He was released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.

“Julian James made a private purchase of an iPod at an off-campus social gathering,” said Keeler. “The purchase was witnessed by more than half a dozen people. Later, Julian was informed that the Ipod had been stolen. To the best of our knowledge, that is the extent of Julian’s involvement. Unless other facts come to light, it is not the intent of the football program or the University of Delaware athletics program to take any action.”

The charges stem from an incident on Sept. 14 when electronic entertainment items were stolen during a party at a house in the unit block of Choate Street. James was developed as a suspect after statements from witnesses at the scene and an anonymous tip via the City of Newark Crime and Drug Tip Line. A search warrant conducted at James’ residence resulted in the recovery of one of the stolen items.

James, a native of Berkeley, CA and a first-year member of the squad after a two-year career at City College of San Francisco, has appeared in all four games this season and registered five tackles, including 2.5 sacks for nine yards.

Delaware, ranked No. 12 in this week’s The Sports Network Poll, takes a 4-0 record into Saturday’s home game vs. Monmouth (0-3) at Delaware Stadium.