Man arrested in connection to Talofofo Elementary School break-ins

A man has been arrested in connection to recent break-ins at Talofofo elementary school, thanks to legos turned over to the Talofofo Mayor's Office, which helped officers connect the pieces in the case.

Forty-year-old Paul Anthony Cruz faces multiple charges: theft of property and theft by receiving stolen property both as second-degree felonies, theft of property as a third-degree felony, and theft of property as a misdemeanor.

Court documents reveal a man returned a box of legos belonging to Talofofo elementary school, believed to be stolen and sold by Cruz, to the mayor’s office.

Cruz admitted to receiving four boxes of legos from his friend, and hiding the others in the jungle area behind his house.

He also confessed to driving his friend to the school several times, where he allegedly stole a pressure washer and an air conditioner. Cruz also offered to lead police to the other stolen items.

Talofofo Mayor, Vicente Taitague commented on the incident.

“The people involved are all adults from Talofofo. Two suspects are arrested for the violation–hopefully, more will be arrested. It’s very sad that this thing happened in our village, but I pray that everything will work out fine for our people. I’m proud of the police department for the wonderful job they do. Again, we will keep watching out–and if you see something, say something,” said Taitague. 

As KUAM previously reported, the southern elementary school was broken into seven times back to back.