Man, teen accused of stealing basketball booster cash during New Castle High School burglary
A New Castle man faces felony charges after allegedly breaking into the local high school with a 15-year-old juvenile over the weekend, authorities said.
Jacob Anthony Ribble, 25, was arraigned Tuesday on charges including burglary, criminal trespassing, theft, and corruption of minors, according to a criminal complaint filed by the New Castle Area School District Police.
Police were contacted Monday by New Castle High School Principal Kim Kladitis, who reported that video surveillance showed two males entering the school around 11:43 p.m. on Saturday. The complaint stated the suspects forced open a loading dock door and then proceeded to check unlocked doors and enter various rooms, looking through desks.
According to the affidavit, the pair allegedly forced entry into the school office area, damaging the door. Once inside, they entered the office of Assistant Principal Ralph Blundo and removed approximately $400 in cash belonging to the basketball boosters from two envelopes. Investigators also allege the males took four vaping devices from a desk.
Authorities identified the suspects through a Facebook post seeking public assistance.
Ribble and the juvenile were found at a residence on Beech Street. Police said Ribble admitted to breaking into the school and taking the cash from the basketball envelopes, as well as several gift cards from desks, stating the money had been spent.
Ribble’s bond was set at $10,000 and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 30 before Magisterial District Judge Melissa A. Amodie.
The juvenile's identity was not released due to their age.
