JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The locker room theft incident at Raines High School in November has cost the principal his job.
The Bradford County High School football team returned to its locker room Nov. 18 to find many items belonging to the players had been stolen.
Today, Duval County Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals said at a news conference that a 16-year-old student has been arrested for grand theft and two others are still at large.
The student who was arrested reportedly told Duval County Public School police investigators that he went to the restroom during the game and saw the door to the locker room open, so he went in and took cell phones and other electronic items.
Pratt-Dannals said as the student was walking out of the room, two other suspects were walking in.
All of the items were still at the first student's house and have been returned.
Investigators believe, however, that the top officials at the school covered up what they knew and violated policy.
Pratt-Dannals said today he asked for the resignation of Principal George Maxey, and Maxey complied. Maxey reportedly asked another employee to lie about what had happened, Pratt-Dannals added.
The superintendent also said he has recommended a 30-day suspension for Vice Principal Oscar Harris for his role in the incident.
First Coast News