MICHIGAN COMPUTER THEFT RING BROKEN  http://www.freep.com/article/20100921/NEWS01/100921057/1318/MSU-students-accused-of-stealing-laptops-from-DPS

Posted: 2:44 p.m. Sept. 21, 2010 | Updated: 3:06 p.m. today

Michigan State tight end Dion Sims accused in $158,000 DPS laptop theft ring

BY CHASTITY PRATT DAWSEY
FREE PRESS EDUCATION WRITER

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy and Detroit Public Schools officials today announced felony charges against a Michigan State University football player and nine others allegedly involved in a crime ring that stole and sold more than $158,000 in laptop computers last school year.

Dion Sims, 19, a player for the Spartans, is accused of receiving and concealing stolen property, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Sims has been suspended from the team.

Nicholas Tisdale, 18, of West Bloomfield is accused of receiving and concealing stolen property.

Internal tracking devices led officials to stolen DPS computers in seven other states, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, according to the investigation that involved several law enforcement agencies.

The ring was involved in the theft of about 104 DPS laptops that were stolen last school year and sold on eBay, Craigslist and to friends. 

Worthy said the crime ring deprived students of access to technology.

“These defendants allegedly stole these laptops from Detroit Public Schools and some of them ended up halfway around the globe,” she said. 

Robert Bobb, the DPS emergency financial manager, said this case “floored” him. He said 29 schools were burglarized of nearly 800 computers worth $800,000 last year

“This is about stealing educational opportunities from our kids,” he said. “And we aren’t going to stand for it.”

Three defendants – former DPS students -- who face a list of felony charges for burglarizing four schools to get the computers and later selling them, will be arrested, Worthy said. They are Brian Rogers, 20, Dwaine Scott, 19, and Mark Scott, 18, all of Detroit.

Other defendants, accused of receiving and selling the computers, along with Sims and Tisdale, were:

Former DPS students Jaisaun Holt, 18, of Farmington Hills, Dezmen Faqua, 19, of Dearborn, Juan Legardy, 20, of Detroit, as well as Danny Tiwaini, 22, of West Bloomfield, and Christopher Schambre, 21, of St. Clair Shores.

This case is among several investigations announced over the past year involving thefts from DPS.

MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis said: “Since mid-February, we have been aware that Dion Sims and members of his extended family have been dealing with some legal issues. Dion informed the coaching staff of the police investigation and has kept them apprised of the progress of the investigation. 

“Dion did not participate in the first three regular-season games, and as of today, he has been suspended from football team-related activities due to these issues.

"During his indefinite suspension, Dion will continue to have access to all of the available resources in the Clara Bell Smith Student-Athlete Academic Center. We will allow the legal process to play out before we make any final decision regarding his future status with the team.” 

Contact CHASTITY PRATT DAWSEY: 313-223-4537 or cpratt@freepress.com