Superintendent’s computer is stolen, then retrieved

An Orcas Island man has been charged with stealing Superintendent Barry Acker’s computer, two printers, and a box full of networking equipment from the Orcas Island School District office some time during the night of Oct. 4.

Value of the equipment is estimated to be in excess of $5000, of which about half has been found and returned to the district. However, all of Acker’s files were deleted. These included a recently-created data base he was using to apply for grants, and some sensitive school information, including personnel evaluations. Acker says it will take a great deal of time to recreate the files.

William David Scott Royal, 23, was placed in custody in the Island County Jail, and was charged with second degree burglary and first degree theft. Both charges carry maximum penalties of 10 years in jail and $20,000 in fines. Royal has since been released on $10,000 bail. An arraignment hearing for Royal will be held on Oct. 27.

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Department not only believes that Royal intended to sell the school property, it also suspects that he planned to frame his estranged girl friend. Left at the scene were the girl friend’s social security and medical identification cards, as well as several other of her possessions.

Acker praised Sergeant Steve Vierthaler and deputy Scott Taylor for their work on the case. “They did a really good job,” he said.

The sheriff’s investigation into the case is continuing. Sheriff Bill Cumming said the department is trying to determine if more than one person took part in the burglaries.

The school, meanwhile, has improved its security at the district office. Acker wouldn’t elaborate on the steps taken or the cost to the district. It is believed that the suspect entered the building from the back door, even though it was locked at the time.

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