Lawson declined to comment on how Lee plans to defend himself from the charges.

Asked if his client would stick to his original story--that he used the money to pay off old Evening With Champions debts--Lawson said he thought it was "premature to make those observations."

In its 24-year history, the Evening With Champions program has raised $1.5 million for the Jimmy Fund.

Last year's show, held in the wake of the district attorney's investigation, sold out and raised $125,000.

"He Wanted to Epitomize Eliot House"

Eliot is known as the house that is "more Harvard's social elite in the decades prior to randomization, the Eliot House stereotype is of old money and lavish spending--and Lee very much w anted to fulfill that image, friends said.

Friends interviewed by the Crimson agreed that Lee--an only child who grew up in a middle-class home in Tenafly, New Jersey--enjoyed life's finer things.

"He wanted to epitomize Eliot House," said one friend, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Asked if this urge was exceptionally strong, the friend said, "Yes, I thought so."

Former Crimson president Julian E. Barnes '93, who roomed with Lee for four year, said Lee "did kind of live a stylish life."

"He spent a lot of money," Barnes said, "but in no way did he spend $120,000."

Barnes said Lee bought a "very top of the line" stereo system during his junior year--the first year the alleged larcenies occurred.

But Barnes said it was during that year that "family money became available to" Lee.

Lee also took a part-time job at the Andover Shop that year.

Sword's friends said the Saskatchewan native was quiet and honest at Harvard.

He dedicated much of his time to charity work,participating in Phillips Brooks House in additionto Evening With Champions.