45 Students Referred For Possible Charges After Homecoming Vandalism At MN High School

ALBERT LEA, MN — About 45 people, including juveniles and adults, have been referred to prosecutors for possible criminal charges in connection with vandalism at Albert Lea High School during homecoming week, police said Wednesday.

The Albert Lea Police Department said it has completed the preliminary phase of its investigation into the Sept. 20 vandalism.

Possible charges include criminal damage to property, trespassing and burglary, and range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on each person's actions and level of involvement.

"Each case has been evaluated individually based on the evidence gathered during the investigation," the department said.

Investigators determined the group got into the school through a student who had obtained a staff member's key, according to police.

Everyone identified so far is from the local area, police said. Those involved include Albert Lea High School students, students in online education programs and students who attend other school districts through open enrollment.

Damage and related costs are now estimated at about $24,065.

Police said that figure may change as repair, replacement and cleanup costs are finalized.

The vandalism was discovered shortly after midnight on Sept. 21, when an officer on patrol noticed a door to the school propped open. More officers went inside to search the building but found no one, police said.

Inside, officers found overturned furniture, with toilet paper and baby oil spread throughout the building. Outside, the school had been spray-painted, hit with paintballs and egged, according to police.

In an update a few days later, police said investigators working with Albert Lea Area Schools administrators and staff had interviewed more than 30 students. At the time, the department put preliminary damage estimates between $10,000 and $25,000.

Although the first phase of the investigation is finished, police said the case remains active. Investigators are still reviewing information and working to identify others who may have been involved, and more cases could be referred for prosecution.

Final charging decisions will be made by prosecutors after they review the cases. Any restitution will be handled through the legal process, police said, and school discipline will be handled separately by Albert Lea Area Schools.

"The ALPD recognizes the impact of this incident on the school district and community," the department said. "The department remains committed to ensuring accountability based on each individual's actions and involvement, while respecting the legal processes applicable to both juvenile and adult cases."

Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to contact School Resource Officer Adam Conn through the Albert Lea High School main office at 507-379-5340 or by email at aconn@ci.albertlea.mn.us.