NORTH CAROLINA COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM SCHOOL MyFox WGHP | School Vandal Confesses, Returns Stolen Computers

Last Edited: Friday, 09 Mar 2007, 4:17 PM EST

Created: Friday, 09 Mar 2007, 4:17 PM EST

Fair Grove Elementary School By JEFF VARNER FOX8 News THOMASVILLE, N.C. (WGHP) -- Computers and other items stolen from a Thomasville, N.C., elementary school turned up Friday merely 75 yards away from the school itself. Sheriff's deputies in Davidson County arrested 18-year-old Derek Hunt on Friday and charged him with breaking into Fair Grove Elementary School overnight Wednesday. According to Sheriff David Grice, Hunt was a suspect from the outset of the investigation and, once arrested, confessed to the crime and pointed investigators to the stolen property. The stolen property -- approximately $6,800 worth of computer equipment -- was discovered behind several buildings near the school's baseball field. "It's just a great feeling to know that our investigators had done such a great job for us," said a relieved Debbie Hampton, the principal at Fair Grove. According to Grice, Hunt now faces one charge of breaking and entering, although more charged could come from the approximately $6,000 of damage caused during the break-in. By returning the stolen equipment, Hunt avoids what would have been a charge of larceny. Grice said Hunt spent most of Friday hospitalized for an alleged drug overdose, which may have played a role in the crime. He is now in the Davidson County Jail under a $10,000 bond. If convicted, he could face up to three years in jail.