Arrests made in high school break-in

The Maricopa Police Department has arrested two adults and referred two juveniles to the Pinal County Attorney’s Office in connection with the March 6 vandalism and graffiti at Maricopa High School.

The felony charges include aggravated criminal damage and burglary.

The adults are Mark Sheeder and Anthony J. Alfano, both of Maricopa. Although a news release from MPD did not specify their ages, Police Chief Steven Stahl said Sheeder and Alfano were in their upper teens, and that all four suspects knew each other.

None of the suspects are students at the school and the names of the juveniles have not been released.

Because of the offensive language contained in the graffiti, there were concerns in the community the crimes were racially motivated. Stahl said based on the investigation the suspects did not have that intent when they committed the crimes.

MHS students were sent home Tuesday morning before classes even began after staff arriving at the school discovered smash windows and computers and offensive language spray painted on several buildings.