Detroit school computers, cash stolen; 2 ex-DPS employees, 8 others charged

FROM THE DETROIT FREE PRESS -

Two former Detroit Public Schools employees and eight others have been charged with felonies in connection with the theft of school laptops, computer equipment and cafeteria money, as well as breaking into schools, officials announced Thursday.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, along with leaders from DPS, announced the charges in 10 school-related criminal cases.
The total losses in equipment and damages to buildings amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars, Worthy said."When people commit crime and violate the trust of the school system, they are taking from our children," Worthy said. "We will not allow criminals to take away the future of DPS students."
The cases are the result of a collaborative effort between DPS emergency manager Roy Roberts, the DPS Office of the Inspector General and the Wayne County Prosecutor's Public Integrity Unit.
Thieves who "think that we're not paying attention and we don't care -- they're wrong," Roberts said.
DPS has made more than 40 criminal referrals to the Public Integrity Unit since the collaboration between DPS and the Prosecutor's Office began in 2009.
Those charged Thursday include former DPS employees Toni Ausberry, 29, and Charmain Porter, 55, both of Detroit, who were charged with larceny and embezzlement for allegedly stealing cafeteria cash.
They were fired in connection with the allegations, DPS Inspector General Van Marsh said.
Detroiters Dwight Brown, 31, and Lester Sanford, 63, were charged with receiving and concealing stolen property in connection with stolen laptops.
In other cases involving stolen laptops, Detroiters Dorian Blair Jr., 19, Marque Mency, 23, Demarco Wilson, 18, Christian Williams, 19, and Thomas Fent-James Williams, 19, were charged with breaking and entering and receiving and concealing stolen property. Demonte Wilson, 19, was charged with receiving and concealing stolen property, entering without breaking with intent and larceny.
Police are looking for Brown, Demarco Wilson, Demonte Wilson, Christian Williams and Thomas Fent-James Williams. To report information on their whereabouts, call DPS police at 313-748-6000.
Additionally, former teacher Anthony Mosby, 47, of Oak Park was charged with failure of a school employee to report a conviction in connection with his 2009 drunken-driving third offense. He left the district before the charges were filed.