Suspects allegedly caught stealing donated items
Published: Jun 22, 2012 9:54 PM EDT
Updated: Jun 22, 2012 10:25 PM EDT


 

 

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. - Two suspects were discovered in Shadowlawn Elementary School attempting to steal donated shoes, children's toys, hygiene items and notebooks at 2:45 a.m. on Friday.

After deputies entered the building, they found Justin Cooper and Willow Romberg kneeling in front of a large cabinet.  The large cabinet was open and Cooper had a pair of shoes in his hands. There were two full black bags beside them. The two were handcuffed and taken outside the school.

During a pat down, officers found marijuana paraphernalia in Cooper's pocket.

While waiting for the K-9 units to arrive to search the rest of the building, Cooper began making spontaneous comments.

"You know we didn't break in, the door was unlocked," Cooper said. "I am homeless and I was inside because I was looking for food."

Cooper also told deputies he was looking for shoes.

Officers searched the school and found two black bags the suspects had with them previously, containing 13 pairs of shoes, children's toys, hygiene products such as toothpaste and body wash and two composition notebooks. Both bags were taken and photographed for evidence.

The shoes the suspects attempted steal had been donated for children who couldn't afford them.

Cooper was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Both Cooper and Romberg were charged with burglary of a structure and petit theft.

They both were transported to Naples Jail Center for further processing.

 


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