2 teens arrested in jersey theft
By David Pham
Advertiser Staff Writer
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Big Island police have arrested two teens in last week's theft of football jerseys from Konawaena High School. One of the suspects is a senior and football player at Konawaena, said interim athletic director Chelsea Qualey.
Most of the 82 jerseys have been recovered, Qualey said.
Timothy-John Reilly, 18, was arrested Thursday along with a 17-year-old, whose name was withheld because of his age. The juvenile was released to the custody of his guardians, police said.
Reilly was charged with second-degree burglary and theft and fourth-degree criminal property damage; his bail was set at $2,500.
Citing confidentiality requirements, Konawaena principal Shawn Suzuki would not say whether Reilly would graduate today with his class.
The jerseys were reported missing May 25 after patrol officers responded to a report of a burglary at the high school. The jerseys are valued at $8,000, police said.
Qualey said action has been taken to prevent future thefts.
"We already took steps to securing the locker rooms," she said. "We're continuing to educate students about having pride in our school, and that this incident was not a prank but a serious offense."
After the theft, the community pulled together in an effort to search for the jerseys and offered to stage fundraisers to purchase new ones, if necessary.
"We had tremendous support in an effort to recover the jerseys, and we want to thank the community," Qualey said.