On Thursday, July 18, 2013, Morrison Police were called to Morrison High School, 643 Genesee Avenue, Morrison, IL, regarding two male juveniles trespassing inside the building. Officers apprehended Morrison Boy-16 and Erie, IL, Boy-15. After their arrest, the boys were released to their parents/guardians.
At Pretrial Conferences on Tuesday, October 8, the accomplices were charged with Felony Theft, Regular Theft, and two counts of Criminal Tresspass.
Morrison Boy-16 and Erie Boy-15 “stole four iPads and destroyed two. The two that were operable were recovered,” reported Chief of Police Brian Melton on Tuesday, November 5. “The iPads had security [restrictions]. They tried too many times to enter [and could not], so they destroyed them,” he added.
Although he has not given testimony yet, Chief Melton said he likely will testify.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Suellen Girard stated each iPad costs about $500. “Apple does not give schools a [price break].” However, Unit District #6 received a $30 discount when ten units were purchased, lowering the cost to $4970. She explained how useful iPads are.
- Some iPad sets are stored on carts, to be wheeled to a variety of classrooms.
- The Special Education Department uses them to individualize instruction.
- Students who miss school for extended periods, due to illness or injury, use an iPad to Skype into their daily classes.
- iPads can be checked out for home use.
Because of the theft, “That means there are four less students in the District who can use them,” concluded Dr. Girard.
Separate Pretrial Conferences were held before Judge Peter Church in Courtroom 108 of the Sterling, IL, branch of the Whiteside County Courthouse, on Tuesday, November 5. Each had the same swift result. Defense Attorney Colleen Buckwalter (Erie Boy-15) stated, “We are still waiting for restitution figures” and asked for a continuance.
Judge Church commented, “Hopefully, there will be the possibility of some kind of resolution” at that time.
Whiteside County States Attorney Office Prosecutor Carol Linkowsi agreed the figures were best to have.
When Morrison Boy-16 was in the courtroom, Linkowski reiterated, “Restitution figures are coming from the school.” She agreed to continue the lad’s Pretrial Conference to match the first boy’s.
Proceeding were continued to Tuesday, November 19, at 11:00 a.m.