AC Units Damaged at Louisiana School

Ascension Parish sheriff’s deputies are investigating the theft of copper wire and fittings from nearly a dozen air conditioning units at Lake Elementary School in St. Amant.

Deputies tell The Advocate school authorities called maintenance workers Tuesday morning when staff couldn’t get the gym’s air conditioning unit to work.

Public Information Officer Johnnie Balfantz says workers discovered the system had been tampered with and found parts missing from 11 units, including eight 5-ton units, and three 15-ton units which control the air and humidity in the gym, band hall, and a number of classrooms.

Deputies found holes cut into the fence on the south side of campus.

Damage estimates range from $5,000 to $10,000. Balfantz says the estimated value of the amount of copper stolen is below $500.