Drunken school janitor steals supplies

NORTHBROOK, IL — A custodian at Grove Elementary School was charged with misdemeanor theft and obstructing a police officer after being accused of drinking on the job, stealing janitorial supplies and falsely identifying himself, according to the Northbrook Star.

Ernestino Valdez, a contracted custodian for GCA Services Group, was reported to Facilities Director Doug Heurich after complaints that his breath smelled of alcohol, the story stated.

After checking Valdez's car, Heurich found several empty cans of beer and a roll of the school's brand of toilet paper; a search of the car by police turned up more toilet paper, toilet brushes and a quart of stolen cleaning fluid, the story noted.

District Business Director Kimberly Arakelian said: "All of it wasn't worth $20. At no time was there a safety concern for students or staff."

Valdez, who was released on bond and is scheduled to appear in court March 17, has been reassigned, the story added.