Durham County law enforcement announced Friday that a second man, Mark Troy Smith, has been arrested and charged in connection with the theft and vandalism of heating, ventilation and air‑conditioning (HVAC) equipment at Glenn Elementary School and a commercial property on T.W. Alexander Drive in Research Triangle Park.
Charges filed against Smith
Smith was booked into the Durham County Detention Center on a series of serious offenses, including three counts of injury to property to obtain non‑ferrous metals, three counts of felony larceny, identity theft, obtaining property by false pretenses, three counts of felony conspiracy, and habitual larceny. The sheriff’s office says he is also a suspect in a third, separate theft that occurred earlier this month in Durham.
Investigation links two incidents
On Aug. 29, staff at Glenn Elementary reported that the school’s HVAC system had been damaged and that components were missing. Deputies quickly identified a possible link to a similar theft that took place earlier in August at a business on T.W. Alexander Drive, also in Durham County. Evidence gathered at both scenes pointed to a coordinated effort.
Durham County Sheriff’s Office investigators say the two incidents appear to be part of a broader scheme to steal valuable copper and other non‑ferrous metals from HVAC units. The stolen materials are often sold on the black market for a profit.
Jenkins remains in custody
William Leroy Jenkins, the first suspect arrested in the case, continues to be held without bond at the Durham County Detention Center. Authorities have not released additional details about his alleged role, but they describe the operation as a conspiracy involving multiple participants.
School repairs completed
Following the damage, school officials worked quickly to replace the missing components and restore the HVAC system. Repairs were finished before students returned to class on Aug. 31, ensuring that the school’s learning environment remained safe and comfortable.
Community response
Parents and staff at Glenn Elementary expressed relief that the school’s facilities are back in working order, but many voiced concern about the security of school property. “We appreciate the swift action by our deputies,” said one parent who asked to remain anonymous. “We hope this sends a clear message that theft and vandalism will not be tolerated in our community.”
Durham County officials encourage anyone with additional information about the thefts to contact the sheriff’s office. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities say they will continue to pursue all leads to bring any remaining participants to justice.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
