Suspects Detained in OW Burglary

5/7/2012 - Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell announces two juveniles are being detained for the damages to Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School.

Ravenell explains "Our investigation indicates that two juveniles gained access to Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School on Sunday night and vandalized windows inside the school, ripped surveillance equipment from the walls and ceilings, and stole electronics over a five hour period. It took the vandals longer to destroy the school than it took us to identify and take them into custody. This is an extremely serious incident, not just because of the potential for injury left behind by the vandalism but also because of the manpower from law enforcement, the property to replace and damages to repair throughout the school, and the interruption of the school day.

Officers executed a search warrant at the home of one of the juveniles and located several items that have been reported missing Monday morning from the school.

The fire alarm went off as the pair sprayed fire extinguishers and thats when they left the building. The Sheriffs Office was notified by the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety after they responded to a fire alarm at 3:31 a.m. More than 20 law enforcement officers were part of the initial response at the school today including Forensic Services, Investigations, and School Resource Officers. Forensic Services photographed and processed almost the entire school for latent prints and stolen property. School Resource Officers and Investigators reviewed video from the surveillance system that provided investigative details and leads.

I would like to thank Superintendent Cynthia Wilson and District 5 School Board Chairperson Mary Berry Ulmer for their response to the school and assisting in the response from both the Sheriffs Office and the District."

The pair is charged with burglary - second degree, grand larceny, and malicious injury to personal property over $10,000.

This investigation continues as we identify additional items that were stolen.