As a TA, I've had to take training in dealing
with suspicions of cheating, and actually dealt with
cases during my student teaching as an undergrad. What
we are told to do is, if there are suspicions, first
confront the cheater. A surprising number of those guilty
will confess on the spot and beg for mercy. Usually
this results in sanctions for either the single
project or the course, hopefully lessons are learned,
etc. Since most people are basically honest, the shame
of being caught is its own form of
punishment.
For harder cases, investigation is necessary. That's
when it gets ugly - as Shakespeare once wrote,
"Patches set upon a little breach discredit more in hiding
of the fault than did the fault before it was so
patched."
There are a whole range of possible explanations. We
are now at the point where suspicions have been
raised. Those who feel they are being accused should go
ahead and speak their piece. My sense is that the
people who have the most influence will find a mature
and professional way to address the
situation.
Brian