HENRICO COUNTY, Va. - Nearly a dozen teenagers were arrested and charged in connection to a Senior Prank that left a mess at Varina High School.
"Words and phrases were written on the sidewalk and signs as well as food items were found covering various walls at the school," Henrico Police spokesman Lt. Linda Toney said about the mess that was discovered May 27.
"Chocolate sauce, syrup, rice, flour, and eggs were thrown onto numerous exterior areas of the school," Henrico Schools spokesman Andy Jenks said. "In addition, trash cans were dumped and placed on the roofs of several buildings, and permanent marker was used to write on doors and walls. Most of the damage was cleaned up quickly that morning."
Police and school officials identified the suspects and charged them with felony vandalism and misdemeanor trespassing.
Students arrested for school vandalism (PHOTO: Henrico Police)
Eighteen-year-olds Tiffany D. Birchett, Quniton E. Burt, Khadijah M. Ford, Dekell M. Lawrence, Khalil J. Randall, Donte W. Robertson, Aja D. Tart, and Justin Diggs were charged as adults. Two 17-year-old girls and one boy were charged as juveniles.
A twelfth suspect has not yet been charged.
"Students involved face severe disciplinary actions including the potential loss of participating in graduation ceremonies," Jenks said. "That’s in addition to whatever criminal charges may or may not be placed."
Eight students appeared in Henrico General District Court Wednesday morning. They declined to be interviewed on camera, but multiple students and their parents said they were surprised by the felony charges.
The mother of one suspect told reporter Jake Burns that she and her daughter will accept any punishment, but thought the felony vandalism charges were excessive.
Seven of the suspects will have a preliminary hearing on July 31.
