SPRINGVILLE -- A fifth teenager is now in jail facing counts of burglary, theft and criminal mischief in connection with a smattering of break-ins at schools in six Utah County cities. He joins two others who are expected to be charged as adults. The other two are juveniles.
Evidence found at the latest forced entry -- at Springville's swimming pool -- led police to the Utah County men.Springville Police detective Dean Pettersson said the teenagers, three from Mapleton and two from Springville, are being investigated for up to 18 incidents in Utah County since January.
Pettersson said the youths may have been involved in more incidents. Investigators are now comparing notes on the various burglaries, he said.
One man is expected to face felony charges based on the number of counts involved, and another will likely face an additional charge of possession of marijuana.
Detective Randy Sorensen has spearheaded the investigation. The group arrested know one another, and police believe they committed the crimes together, he said.
Police believe the teens vandalized and stole money from vending machines in schools in American Fork, Orem, Pleasant Grove, Provo, Spanish Fork and Springville.
Investigators were monitoring the group's late-night activities and collecting information on the individuals.