$30,000 in stolen band equipment returned to GPISD

........During the 2002-2003 school year, reports were filed that several band instruments from Galena Park, North Shore and North Shore Senior High Schools were missing. As additional reports were filed, the education division supervisors from Precincts 2 and 3 shared information during a weekly meeting and found they were searching for the same suspects.

........“ We compared notes and discovered there was a link between several burglary cases on both sides of the district,” said Sergeant Gina Flores, Precinct 2, education division. “At that point, we began a joint investigation that uncovered nearly $30,000 in stolen band equipment.”

........Precinct 2 Deputy Constables Jack Giacona and Mark McGinnis, and Precinct 3 Deputy Constable James Ebdon arrested four suspects and discovered the missing property had been sold to pawnshops and to individuals via the internet. Giacona and McGinnis searched pawnshops and houses in two counties to recover the stolen items.

........“ We went from pawnshop to pawnshop looking to match the serial numbers on the instruments,” McGinnis said. “It didn’t take long before we started finding the stolen property.”

........Meanwhile, Deputy Ebdon worked with various law enforcement agencies across the country including Pennsylvania, Washington, Illinois and New York to recover the stolen equipment that was sold online.

........“ Unfortunately, this was a case of certain individuals abusing the internet by selling stolen items to innocent people,” Ebdon said.

........In all, 16 musical instruments worth nearly $30,000 were recovered and returned to the district. This is not the first time both precincts have collaborated on investigations.

........Since the Deputy Contract Program began in 1996, Precincts 2 and 3 have had great success in solving a variety of cases within the district. Under the program, 21 deputies from both precincts serve the students of GPISD by providing security at each campus.

........“ This investigation is an example of why it is so important to have these fine deputies in our schools,” Dr. Shirley Neeley, superintendent of schools, said. “We appreciate their efforts to return these instruments.”

........“ Even though we work for two different agencies, we’re all on the same team,” Flores said. “This is a good example of why it’s important for police agencies to communicate with each other.”

........“ Both precincts maintain an open relationship,” Sergeant David Jones, Precinct 3, education division, said. “We keep in mind that we are working together for the good of all students in district.”

........Band instruments have been returned to the three high schools and will be ready for use in the fall.

........“ It’s a good feeling knowing that the students will be playing these instruments again,” Giacona said. “The next time I see one of the GPISD bands performing at an event, I’ll remember this investigation and I’m sure it will put a smile on my face.”


DETERMINED DEPUTIES. Police officers from precincts 2 and 3 joined forces for recover some $30,000 in band equipment for GPISD. Front row from left, Sergeant Gina Flores, Pct. 2; Deputy Jack Giacona, Pct. 2; and Deputy James Ebdon, Pct. 3. Back row, Deputy Mark McGinnis, Pct. 2, and Sergeant David Jones, Pct. 3.