PENNSYLVANIA STUDENTS AT HIGH SCHOOL SUSPENDED FOR STEALING COMPUTERS Four Latrobe students suspended in laptop repair schemeFour Latrobe students suspended in laptop repair scheme
Tuesday, June 08, 2004

By Bill Heltzel, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Four Latrobe high school students are suspected of stealing school district laptop computers and, for a fee, using the parts to repair other students' laptops.

The scheme was discovered during the last few days of school when officials at Greater Latrobe Senior High School realized that its computer network password had been stolen. As school officials delved into details of the password theft, they uncovered the laptop repair scheme.

When a computer breaks, the student reimburses the school district for the cost of repairs. Throughout the school year, officials had heard that a senior was making some of those repairs. They also had received reports of five stolen computers, but had not connected the information.

As they connected the schemes, the officials also identified three other students who allegedly stole computers or received stolen parts.

The names of the four suspects -- two juniors and two seniors, boys ages 17 and 18 -- were not disclosed. Another five students with broken computers used the underground repair service, but did not know that stolen computer parts were being used, according to high school Principal John Andrighetti.

"They just thought they were getting a good deal because the individuals involved were technologically adept."

The students will have to reimburse the school district, from $500 to $5,500, for its losses. The two seniors were not allowed to take part in commencement and won't get diplomas until they fulfill a community service obligation. The two juniors were suspended for 10 days, beginning in the fall semester.

Andrighetti said the boys were sorry and seemed to understand the ethical ramifications of their actions.

The district is working with state police on its investigation.