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Fourth person arrested in string of high schools vandalism

florida high vandalism
Posted at 3:24 PM, May 20, 2013
and last updated 2013-06-10 17:29:33-04

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- A fourth person has been arrested in connection with the string of vandalism last week at six Leon County area high schools.

Leon County sheriff deputies arrested Dartanian Roberts, 18, on Monday. Roberts, along with Fidel Ibeneme, 18, Edmond Adkins, 18, and Danial Ibrahim, 18, are all charged with numerous charges including Trespassing on School Grounds and Criminal Mischief.

On Friday, deputies were called out to five Leon County area high schools. Investigators say the group of four spray painted on buildings and cars on the campuses of Leon High School, Lincoln High School, Chiles High School, Godby High School and Rickards High School. Florida State University police also investigated similar vandalism the same day at Florida State University High School.

The damages total several thousand dollars.

Using surveillance video, detectives say they found that Ibeneme, Adkins, Ibrahim entered each campus between the hours of 1:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m.

All four are seniors at Lincoln High School.

Over the weekend, Lincoln High School Principal Allen Burch released a statement, saying :

Burch said, "I have seen the photos and damage that occurred throughout the community in the name of Lincoln High School. Like you, I am disgusted by the images. While the investigation is ongoing, it appears that one or more Lincoln students are involved. If this is the case, our apologies go out to the schools and communities impacted by the actions of these individuals. Destruction and vandalism such as this are not expressions of school spirit and the actions taken by a few do not represent the wonderful students at Lincoln.  We will not be satisfied until all individuals involved are identified and the appropriate actions are taken against any Lincoln student involved."

Monday morning members of the Lincoln High School community, including students, parents, and staff, went to Florida State University High School to present the school with a new American flag that had been destroyed during the vandalism. Students apologized, telling those at FSU HS that the actions of those involved with the vandalism do not reflect upon those at Lincoln High School.