MICHIGAN COMPUTERS STOLEN More than 30 computers stolen from charter school:

More than 30 computers stolen from charter school

By Sarah Cormier
C & G Staff Writer

MOUNT CLEMENS — A group of 13 acquaintances broke into Prevail Academy Charter School on three different occasions over the weekend of July 17-19, stealing 34 computers and laptops, plus 12 portable radios.

Prevail Academy Principal Jodi Donkin arrived at the school on July 20 only to discover the items stolen and the school a mess.

“She came there Monday morning and saw the school was ransacked and computers were missing,” said Capt. Tony Wickersham, with the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.

“She’s been there preparing for the new school year,” added Tara Powers, spokesperson for National Heritage Academies, an organization that oversees several charter schools. “She came in one day and noticed that there were some computers missing in the computer room as well as the front office.”

According to Wickersham, a group of individuals totaling 13 suspects in all came to the school at various times on July 17, July 18 and July 19, each time, stealing a different number of computers and radios. He said that the group gained access to the school through a doorway near the basketball court by using a plastic spoon.

“They were able to jimmy the door and get it open,” said Wickersham.

Powers said that because the suspects gained entry through a doorway, instead of, for example, busting out a window, no one noticed the crime. Security cameras installed at the school were useful for police, she added.

“We do have security cameras in the schools that they were able to watch a tape of,” said Powers.

However, Wickersham said that the big break came in the case when someone called a tip in.

“The principal reported it and we had some great cooperation from the parents, which helped put this thing together,” he said.

As of July 31, Mike Sadur, 28, Nickolas Carter, 35, and Nigel Berry, 17, were all arrested and charged. Police expect to arrest two more adults, an 18-year-old and a 19-year-old, this week. Eight juveniles ranging in age from 13 to 16 are also being petitioned in juvenile court for their role in the crime.

Wickersham added that each one of the suspects is male. All live in Mount Clemens, except for one 16-year-old that is from Clinton Township. One of the suspects is a student at Prevail Academy. The school, which is located at 353 Cass Avenue in Mount Clemens, opened in 2004.

Police recovered 17 of the laptops and six computer towers in the suspects’ various homes; three laptops were recovered in the Clinton River Spillway.

Powers said that the school has estimated that the stolen items totaled at least $50,000 in value. Police are still searching for the remaining items. It is believed some of the stolen property will still be usable. Powers added that there were no important files on the computers, which were used for administrators and students.

“We really appreciate the great work of the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office in retrieving the property,” she said.

Wickersham said that if anyone else knows information on the case or where the other items may be located, they should call (586) 307-9358.

You can reach Staff Writer Sarah Cormier at scormier@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1095.