HATLEY — Three 18-year-old men have been charged with doing more than $20,000 damage while burglarizing a Monroe County high school.
Former students Justin Walden, James Troy Ellis and Malcolm Quinn Cole allegedly took about $4,000 in football jerseys, a concrete statue and “numerous other items” from Hatley High School and the Hatley football field house on May 20, according to Monroe County Sheriff Andy Hood.
Besides vandalizing those properties, the Amory residents are also accused of vandalizing the Hatley Elementary building the same night.
The trio broke windows, destroyed electric controls, poured water on computers, pulled items off shelves and vandalized furniture, Hood said. The total damage to the buildings and equipment exceeds $20,000.
The defendants turned themselves in to investigators Monday without incident. They have been charged with grand larceny, felony malicious mischief and two counts of burglary.
If convicted on all four charges, the defendants could face up to 29 years in prison.
Justice Court Judge Robert Fowlkes set their bonds at $25,000.
The school plans to seek restitution for broken or destroyed items, Hood said. Most of the property has been returned to the school.
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