Thieves caught stealing kids’ backpacks caught by police

Timberwolves jackets, backpacks and school papers sit piled up at the Morton Police Department.

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The items are now evidence police gathered after tracking down the two men allegedly caught on camera stealing from Morton Junior-Senior High School Sept. 26.

“They were looking for what they could get so they could make some quick cash out of it. They stated that themselves,” said Chief Roger Morningstar.

Frank Kern, 34, and Sean Sills, 30, faced a judge in Lewis County Superior Court on Monday afternoon. Police said both admitted to stealing the bags that authorities now estimate to be worth more than $5,000.

“I just had bought him one of the new graphing calculators, one of the rechargeable ones. It’s like $150. He hadn’t even used it yet,” said Heidi Cooper.

Cooper’s eighth-grade son, Matthew, had his bag taken. She thought they’d never see it again.

“My husband and I both thought that was going to be the end, you know, the stuff was gone, we wouldn’t see any of it. They probably wouldn’t catch these guys,” she said.

After more than 200 hours of police work, officers tracked the suspects down.

Morningstar said the embroidered backpacks were a dead giveaway and that the suspects said they kept seeing themselves on TV.

“It led one to turn himself in, saying, ‘I know what I did was wrong. My face is everywhere. I just want to turn myself in and get this over with,’” he said.

Police found some of the students’ belongings, but officers said they’ll never get everything back. Some of the electronics were sold and other items were trashed.

“How low is (it) to go to and prey on some junior high and high school kids out in the country? Stay in the city, just don’t come bother us anymore,” said Cooper.

Kern and Sills are scheduled to be back in Lewis County Superior Court for their arraignments Thursday at 3 p.m.

The Morton Police Department is taking donations for the students who had their belongings taken. Those interested in helping can reach out to the Morton Reserve Officer Police Association Youth Program by calling 360-396-6636.