CLEARFIELD COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — Authorities in Clearfield County say a DuBois Area High School senior is behind bars after he allegedly admitted to stealing over $2,000 from a school safe.
According to the affidavit, the DuBois school police officer was contacted in mid-March after school authorities reported that the funds were missing from a safe inside the school administration office.
Officials say over $900 was reportedly taken from an envelope used by the school's Art Club and another $1,100 was taken from an envelope used for a local scholarship fund.
Upon further investigation, police say they reviewed surveillance video, from inside the school, which reportedly showed one of the students "acting suspiciously" the day before the money was reported missing.
Police say the student was identified as 18-year-old Colton Barrett, a senior at the high school.
Authorities say the footage reportedly showed Barrett entering the main office, during after-school hours, and then returning to the main lobby of the building with "something in his pocket."
Police say Barrett also reportedly conducted a "look out" maneuver, prior to entering the office, and then left just before the school custodian returned to the lobby.
Investigators say that when they questioned Barrett about the stolen funds, he reportedly admitted to taking several stacks of money from the envelopes, but stated that he didn't know exactly how much he took.
Police say Barrett also admitted to prior incidents of stealing and says that he does it "for the thrill of what he can get away with."
Authorities say Barrett stated that he used the money to purchase various gift cards, as well as food and vapes.
Police noted that Barrett's mother also confirmed that he has a "history" of thefts from various local establishments, but stated that he was never prosecuted.
Officials say Barrett's mother also returned approximately $980 of the stolen cash, which was reportedly discovered by his family prior to him being questioned by police.
Investigators say Barrett did not mention how he was able to gain access to the safe.
According to online court records, Barrett is facing felony charges of burglary, criminal trespass and theft.
He is being held at the Clearfield County Jail on $15,000 bail.
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