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Four Arrested For Vandalism At Magnolia

By Staff | Jun 10, 2015

School wasn’t quite out for summer Thursday, June 4 at Magnolia High School, but students received an unexpected day off after four teenaged individuals ransacked the building, destroying everything from computer monitors to desks.

New Martinsville police arrested the four individuals in connection with the vandalism, which was discovered early Thursday morning. Corey Klug, 18; Eric Daugherty, 19; Devin McCaman and a juvenile were all arrested Thursday.

Magnolia Principal Kathi Schmalz said she never would have expected such behavior from the men. She identified them from video surveillance footage, and said three of the individuals were members of the class of 2015. The fourth graduated in 2014.

“That behavior is not typical of Magnolia High School students,” Schmalz said. “This act does not portray the kind of students we have here.”

Police Chief Tim Cecil said the damage was substantial but “could’ve been a lot worse.” He said the individuals who vandalized the school destroyed computers, broke glass and dumped soda on computers and water in a copy machine.

Cecil said it is unclear exactly how the individuals broke into the school and is unsure of the value amount of the damage. He said the amount could be more than $20,000.

Schmalz said considering the damage that was done and what could have been done, she believes the motive was destruction and not an act of revenge. Students were set to take finals Thursday and today, but those exams may be canceled due to the damage.

Thursday was also a day for eighth grade orientation, with students from New Martinsville School set to tour the high school. Schmalz said those students are beginning a new journey and Thursday’s vandalism is not the norm.

“We are a family here at Magnolia,” she said. “This isn’t who we are. I’m very saddened.”

Insurance adjustors were expected to visit the school Monday, June 8, to try to calculate the cost of the damage.