High School Students Sentenced for Vandalizing Gates Mill Christmas Decorations

Three local high school students have been sentenced to community service for vandalism at Gates Mill subdivsion on Dec. 10,, said Milton Police Capt. Shawn McCarty.

According to Milton police, the three youths were detained after Sgt. C.S. Barstow was able to identify a black Jeep Wrangler seen in the neighborhood between midnight and 3 a.m., when the three homes were vandalized. The victims told police they awoke that morning to find their Christmas decorations vandalized, including beheading and hanging.

Barstow was able to determine the identity of the driver, one of the youths sentenced. The suspect voluntarily cooperated with police, which led to the other two co-conspirators. One of the youths lived in the neighborhood, the other two did not. 

All three were served with subpoenas that detailed charges of second degree criminal damage to property, criminal trespass, theft by taking and being unruly juveniles. 

At their Jan. 6 hearing, all three were sentenced to restitution, or paying back the homeowners for the damage done, 25 hours of community service each and a formal written apology to the Gates Mill subdivision.

Because of state law barring information for suspects under 17, their identities will not be released.