Suspects Named in Science Center Break-in

Staff Writer

  
   Suspects involved in the University of Arkansas at Monticello Science Center break-in Nov. 8 have been named in the case: James Edwards, 19, from Hamburg, Justin Smith, 21, from Tupelo, Miss. and Rodrick Mobley, 21, from Greenville, Miss.

   According to the UAM’s Department of Public Safety report released Nov. 24, Edwards and Smith broke into the Science Center main office early on the morning of Nov. 8. After looking around the office, the two men decided they could not carry everything, so they left the office and headed to Bankston Hall for help. Rodrick Mobley, a roommate of one of the suspects, joined them.

   The three suspects headed back to the Science Center carrying a stolen backpack from a previous crime they took part in Nov. 7.

   When they entered the Science Center main office, Edwards, Smith and Mobley filled the backpack with candy, crackers and pencils. After the suspects filled the backpack, they went into the Science Center teacher's lounge and took all of the soft drinks.

   The three suspects then headed back to Bankston Hall carrying the stolen property and a surveillance camera recorded the men entering the hall. Edwards, Smith and Mobley were later identified and arrested by officers Rodney Pickens and John Kidwell.

   The suspects admitted to participating in the break-ins and all gave permission to search their dorm rooms at Bankston Hall.  

   All of the stolen books, the calculator from the backpack and most stolen snacks were recovered.

   The value of the stolen snacks and drinks totaled $200 while the stolen backpack was valued at $1,500.

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