Arrests made after NC ‘senior prank’ turns criminal, leaves $20K in damages
Two people face felony charges after a “senior prank” that left behind more than $20,000 in damages in a North Carolina high school, authorities said.
Nalen Geoffroy, 18, and Javier Sheffield, 21, were primarily responsible for the prank last week that left Sun Valley High School’s computers and electrical equipment destroyed, according to police.
Geoffroy, a student, and Sheffield, not a student, were arrested and charged with felony damaging computers and misdemeanor injury to personal property Tuesday, according to a Union County Sheriff’s Office news release.
The prank was no joke and required an “extensive cleanup” of the school, Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey said Friday.
“’Senior pranks are not new, and we understand that oftentimes these events are intended to be harmless and fun,” Cathey said on Facebook Friday.
But this one turned criminal, resulting in costly property damage, he said.
“The time and money it has and will take to clean this school and replace the electrical and computer equipment that was destroyed is still being calculated, but is expected to be significant,” Cathey said.
Students found to be involved in the vandalism also will be disciplined per the Union County Schools’ Code of Conduct, Tahira Stalberte, assistant superintendent of communications and community relations told the Observer Saturday night.
“Local parents need to be extra vigilant this time of year and ensure their children are making smart decisions that will keep them from jeopardizing their futures,” Cathey said, according to the news release.
Anyone who sees anything suspicious at a school or elsewhere in the community should call 911 or the main Sheriff’s Office at 704-283-3789, Cathey said.
Most people who commented under the sheriff’s Facebook post said the perpetrators deserve time behind bars. Others said they shouldn’t be allowed to walk the graduation stage. Colleges where they’ve been accepted should be told of their convictions, a woman said.
“Disgusting,” a woman commented on Facebook about the vandalism.
This story was originally published May 20, 2023 at 4:02 PM with the headline "Arrests made after NC ‘senior prank’ turns criminal, leaves $20K in damages ."