CASSOPOLIS — A 20-year-old Grand Junction man convicted of causing more than $69,000 in damage to Marcellus Community Schools property was sentenced to 90 days in jail and three years probation in Cass County Circuit Court Friday.
From March 7-9, Mark Keedle and two juvenile co-defendants twice broke into Marcellus Elementary School, a greenhouse and concession stand — all belonging to Marcellus Schools.
The trio stole computers, cash, food and other school supplies in addition to breaking several doors and windows resulting in $69,887 worth of damage.
“That’s an eye-popping amount,” said Cass County Judge Michael Dodge during sentencing.
Dodge said prior to leaving Marcellus Schools property, Keedle and his co-defendants left behind a message on a preschool chalkboard reading: “I was here. F— you Marcellus.”
While out on bond for the Marcellus Schools offenses, Keedle was subsequently convicted and sentenced on misdemeanor charges of disorderly person and disturbing the peace, and minor consumption of alcohol.
“How does that make you look when you show up today for sentencing? It doesn’t make you look like you’ve taken this very seriously at all,” Dodge said.
Dodge said Keedle’s past record is limited to a juvenile conviction of littering objects in the path of a vehicle in 2007.
Dodge warned Keedle if he violates probation he could be facing a prison sentence.
“You need to get things straightened around here,” Dodge said.
Keedle pleaded guilty to the Marcellus Schools charges on April 25.
The sentence guideline for his charges was five to 23 months.
Keedle and his co-defendants must also pay back the $69,887 worth of damage.