Lindenhurst man accused of stealing school equipment, selling it on eBay

After a six-month investigation by Gurnee detectives, a Woodland School District 50 employee has been charged in connection with the sale of more than $105,000 in school district electronic equipment on eBay, police said Friday in a news release.

David May, 53, has been charged with theft, theft by deception, online sale of stolen property, electronic fencing and computer fraud.

Police gave this account:

Last fall, the school district received several calls from people across the county who purchased electronic equipment on eBay. The devices were locked and displayed a message indicating they belonged to District 50.

The school district compared serial numbers from the eBay purchases with its inventory and confirmed the equipment belonged to District 50. An employee in the technology department emerged as a suspect.

Records obtained from eBay for May's account indicated several serial numbers from computers, cameras and other electronic devices matched the missing inventory from District 50.

The investigation indicated May sold more than $105,000 worth of electronic devices from the school district during his employment.

Police said May's role within the technology department allowed him to inventory equipment, manipulate documents and records, and confiscate devices without detection.

May was arrested Thursday, and a search warrant was executed at his home, after which May admitted taking the computers, according to a news release from the Lake County state's attorney's office. The school district said that May has been placed on administrative leave.

May posted 10% of his bail, which was set at $5,000, and was released. His next court date is June 7.