"We did discuss a lot of things, but in the end, it was her decision," Balcarcel said.

Ocon decided to leave Harvard in November, said Balcarcel, and Maggiore flew out to get her.

"He struck me as a very nice and responsible person from the little I got to know of him," she said.

Balcarcel said this impression came from the time she visited the couple in California during spring break and saw how happy they were together.

But appearances can be deceiving.

Ocon walked out on Maggiore this past September, taking the baby with her. Three days later, Maggiore filed for custody, according to the Times.

Three months later, Maggiore was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and convicted on one count, according to the Long Beach District Attorney's office. The Times reports that he was arrested once again in December for suspicion of public intoxication. The Long Beach Police Department said it had no record of a second arrest.

Balcarcel and her other room- mates know nothing of Ocon's legal battles and her desire to return to school.

"She had mentioned coming back, but we weren't sure just because it's been a while," Balcarcel said.

"We've gotten maybe a couple of letters throughout the year, but she doesn't really keep in touch with us," she said. "She mentioned briefly that things aren't going well, but...."

The legal battle hinges upon Maggiore's doubts about Ocon's abilities to manage class work and child care at the same time, according to the Times.

Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III said he does not believe the Harvard housing system provides services for undergraduates with children.

He cited Dudley House as a possible place with special services for undergraduate parents, but referred questions to Associate Dean of Housing Services and Senior Tutor of Dudley House Thomas A. Dingman '67.

Dingman could not be reached for comment last night