Pepperdine President: Son 'Will Not be Returning to Campus'

President Andrew Benton said Tuesday his son will not be allowed back on campus following his arrest at the university.

Christopher Benton, who was last week on suspicion of making criminal threats and bringing a loaded gun on campus, Monday to several felony charges. He remains behind bars in lieu of $195,000 bail.

Benton sent out the following announcement Tuesday:

To Members of the Pepperdine Community:

For about 14 years Debby and I have dealt with issues emerging from the presence of drugs in the life of our son, Chris, and those with whom he has chosen to associate. For the most part, this issue has been kept private as we have tried a number of treatment methods. We have not given up, but we have not been successful.

There have been glimpses of improvement and reasons for hope, followed by steep falls and what we can only describe as chaos within our family. Last Thursday, after our decision to engage law enforcement, our private, family situation became very public. In the midst of the joy of the opening of a new school year, members of our campus community witnessed the arrest of our son.

Chris will not be returning to campus for some time, probably a long time.  That status will not change until the University Threat Assessment Team concludes that it is appropriate for him to do so. All parties involved — the Court, the District Attorney, University leaders tasked with assuring campus safety, as well and his mother and I — agree with this decision. It is not an easy thing to do, but it is appropriate.

Again, you have my personal apology for the impact this has had on our wonderful Pepperdine community.

Andrew K. Benton