Pleas entered in FRHS vandalism (08/02/2008)

Three Fort Recovery High School graduates have pleaded not guilty to felony charges in connection with a break-in at their alma matter.

Joel B. Weitzel, 18, 2745 Kuhl Road, New Weston, Ohio, Robert J. Rammel, 19, 1781 Ohio 49, Fort Recovery, and Matthew G. Vagedes, 18, 24387 Philothea Road, Fort Recovery, each pleaded not guilty to two counts of breaking and entering and three counts of vandalism, all fifth degree felonies. The trio pleaded not guilty Wednesday.

Also charged in connection with the May 17 break-in is Clint Tobe, 18, 303 N. Elm St., Fort Recovery. He pleaded no contest last week in Celina Municipal Court to criminal trespassing, a misdemeanor charge.

On about May 17, the group allegedly entered a crawl space at FRHS through an outside entrance. They then allegedly left two dead geese in the crawlspace, breaking a hot water line in the process. At least one of them allegedly climbed on top of the roof and pushed in an air conditioning unit.

Damage was estimated at more than $500.

The incident occurred either late on May 16 or early on May 17, just before graduation ceremonies. When teachers and students returned to school on May 19, there was no hot water. Maintenance workers found the cause, and the high school principal allegedly saw the four on surveillance video.

Investigators determined that Tobe did not enter the crawlspace. He was ordered to complete 40 hours of community service and pay court costs.

Fifth degree felonies carry sentences of up to one year in jail and $2,500 in fines. School officials have said they prefer the graduates serve community service instead of jail time.[[In-content Ad]]