Nine Charged in $500,000 Vandalism Spree at High School in Massachusetts

Nine youths are accused of causing $500,000 in damage during a spree of vandalism at Salem High School that left computers and furnishings demolished and the library in such disarray that it may be closed for the rest of the year, authorities said Wednesday.

“It would have been one thing if the students had come in intending to steal something for whatever reason, but this was just absolute destruction,” Supt. Henry O’Donnell said.

The vandalism early Tuesday left one wing of this historic town’s only high school looking as though it had been turned upside down. Broken glass from shattered doors and partitions, furniture, computer equipment and television sets were strewn about, along with dozens of empty beer cans.

Police said that the vandals had spent at least four hours in the building.

Five juveniles, each 16, and four 17-year-old males considered adults pleaded not guilty Wednesday morning in Essex District Court to charges of breaking and entering at night and malicious destruction of public property, both felonies.

All are students at the school.