Five Teens Arrested for School Burglaries

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Fla. -- Five teenagers have been arrested following burglaries at two area schools last weekend.

According to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, computers, musical instruments, cash and other items were stolen from Ft. White and Columbia high schools.

Columbia High offered a reward for information, and at least one of their leads paid off. Deputies tracked down five suspects, who confessed to both burglaries.

The stolen items, and most of the cash, were recovered, as was a large safe from Columbia High that was found buried in Ft. White. The value of the stolen goods is estimated at more than $5,000.

After investigating the scenes, deputies said the teens, all between 16- and 17-years-old, struck Ft. White High School Friday night, and Columbia High School Saturday night.

The sheriff's office credits the school resource deputies for the quick resolution to the case, citing their rapport with students and staff at the schools.

The teens each face charges of burglary and grand theft, and the sheriff's office said more charges may be filed as past burglary cases are reinvestigated.

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