Man charged in high school theft valued over $20K - wave3.com-Louisville News, Weather & Sports

Man charged in high school theft valued over $20K

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By Sarah Eisenmenger - email
James McGuffin (Source: LMDC) James McGuffin (Source: LMDC)
The shed that was broken into at the high school. The shed that was broken into at the high school.
Police said McGuffin put up a fight. Police said McGuffin put up a fight.

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Police said a Louisville man couldn't get away with the major theft he tried to pull off.

It all started in Oldham County over the weekend and came to an end Tuesday night in Louisville's Portland neighborhood.

The long list of items includes the North Oldham County High School's marching band trailer. It had since been recovered in Louisville as the Louisville Metro Police Department continues its investigation.

Tuesday night, police went to the home of James McGiffin, 24, acting on a tip. Police said he put up a fight, but they were able to eventually arrest him and charge him with receiving stolen property over $10,000.

A second person is being questioned while police take inventory of items in his home.

Over the weekend, over $20,000 worth of equipment was stolen right out of the school garage. Investigators believe the crooks busted a small window out of a garage.

The list of stolen items includes two lawn mowers, two golf carts, an air compressor and the marching band trailer.

Police are not saying tonight what led them to McGiffin. The SWAT team was called to his home in the Portland neighborhood around 5 p.m. near 19th and Rowan Streets. A family member said McGiffin lives in this home with his mother and brother.

The two were forced from their home as police went searching for items. School leaders said they have learned the items have been recovered and are working with police.

They said they don't have security cameras at the school.

More information is expected this week.

Copyright 2013 WAVE News. All rights reserved.

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