School thefts work of janitor, police allege

A janitor at Mundelein High School was arrested Monday night after he was caught stealing DVDs and electronic equipment, police said.

Jose L. Lemus-Ayala, 43, of 26178 Hickory St., Mundelein, was charged with felony theft. His bond was set Tuesday at $35,000 in Lake County circuit court.

Lemus-Ayala had worked at the school for about 1½ years as part of a Sodexho USA cleaning crew, Mundelein police Sgt. John Monahan said. The thefts had been occurring for some time, Monahan said.

A digital camera was discovered missing from an audio-visual room at the school this summer, police said. About two weeks ago, a teacher noticed a battery pack for that camera had disappeared, too.

The teacher set up a surveillance system in the room to monitor it while he wasn't around. On Nov. 21, the system captured Lemus-Ayala entering the room and then leaving with something, Monahan said.

The teacher reviewed the recording and told police, Monahan said.

Police questioned Lemus-Ayala and other members of the cleaning crew Monday, and he confessed to stealing items from the room, Monahan said.

A camcorder, a DVD player, five DVDs, battery packs and a tripod later were found in his home, police said. The items were valued at $1,275.

Lemus-Ayala is next scheduled to appear in court Dec. 19.