OREGON COMPUTERS STOLEN Six youths charged in computer thefts:

Six youths charged in computer thefts

HERMISTON - Hermiston police recovered more than $10,000 in stolen computer equipment that was taken from Sandstone Middle School early Friday morning. Six youths later received charges stemming from the incident.

Police were called around 8 a.m. Friday, when they started looking into the theft. After searching the building and checking school records, officers found that several classrooms were missing electronic equipment. No students were in class - their last day was Thursday, and teachers finished their last day on Friday.

Investigating with Oregon State Police and the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office, police later stopped a Chevy pickup in northeast Hermiston. That's where much of the stolen equipment was recovered.

Five juvenile boys, with ages ranging from 12-17, were immediately charged with first-degree aggravated theft, second-degree burglary and conspiracy. A 16-year-old girl was charged with first-degree theft and reckless driving.

All six minors were taken to the Hermiston Police Department. All the stolen equipment returned to Sandstone on Friday.

- Eric Florip