FOLLOW UP: A 20-year-old Green River resident, Nicholas Cordingley, was arrested on Sunday in connection with the burglary of Book Cliff Elementary. Cordingley was arrested at a gas station without incident.
Some of the stolen items have been recovered and returned to the school. The 2012 Chevy Impala was located in San Juan County, but the car has been intentionally destroyed beyond repair.
Cordingley appeared in Seventh District Court Tuesday on charges of burglary of a non-dwelling, theft of a motor vehicle, and theft (value exceeding $5,000.00). The investigation is ongoing.
The arrest stems from the break in at the Elementary school. There was a break-in and burglary at the Book Cliff Elementary school in Green River on Dec. 15. On Friday morning when the janitor opened up the school the janitor noticed that things were out of place. It was soon discovered that 27 iPads and a Kindle had been stolen. According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, the iPads and Kindle were used by the students as part of their daily curriculum, and this loss will have great impact on the school children. The building was searched and determined to be clear, but school was cancelled as the investigation continued for other missing items. Also stolen was a white 2012 Chevy Impala with the school district logo on the side doors.
A $2000 reward was offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people involved in this burglary at Book Cliff Elementary in Green River,
Emery County Sheriff Greg Funk said an informant contacted the sheriff’s office about the missing items. This information led to the apprehension and arrest of the suspected burglar.
A Green River man was arrested and will be arraigned on charges on Dec. 20 in the Seventh District Court. The stolen vehicle was recovered on Friday night in Moab. The vehicle had been damaged. Sheriff Funk said the detectives are investigating and going through the evidence that’s been gathered to determine if there was anyone else involved in the burglary. Some of the stolen items have been recovered.
If you have any information, please contact the Emery County Sheriff’s Office at 435-381-2404.
Suspect apprehended in Book Cliff burglary
"Nicholas Cordingley"