Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Ball State U. student trio arrested in instrument theft
By Sean Armie
Daily News, Ball State U.
November 21, 2008

Three Ball State University students were arrested late Wednesday in connection with the thefts of almost $16,000 worth of musical instruments from Zionsville Community High School.

Shawn P. Blankenship, John Guilliam and Jillian Smith were taken to Boone County Jail where they were placed on $10,000 bail on charges of theft and burglary - both Class C felonies. Blankenship was released, but Guilliam and Smith remained in jail as of Thursday evening.

The school reported the instruments stolen Nov. 9. Investigators spoke with students and community residents in the two days before the arrests.

Investigators for the Zionsville Police Department were able to obtain search warrants for Smith's home on Main Street in Muncie and Guilliam's room in Park Residence Hall.

The Ball State University Police, Muncie Police and the North Manchester Police departments helped the Zionsville Police in arresting the suspects, Gene Burton, director of public safety for Ball State, said.

The suspects led investigators to a home in North Manchester where authorities discovered the missing instruments.

Kay Bales, the vice president for student affairs at Ball State, said no university action has been taken as of yet, but a decision will be made once the Students Rights and Community Standards Office looks over the reports.

According to the Indiana Code, if the students are convicted of their Class C felonies, they could face up to eight years in prison with a maximum fine of $10,000.

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