Send this story Print this story

Adjust text size

Truant iPads go back to Hillview school

by Sandy Brundage

Twelve of 26 iPads stolen from Hillview Middle School have gone back to class, according to Principal Mike Melton.

Mr. Melton announced in a newsletter on Sept. 20 that the adult suspect in the Sept. 9 burglary — 20-year-old Jaime Loya Maldanado, of Menlo Park — cooperated with police, leading to the return of the equipment.

"We plan on having 26 fully functional iPads back in the hands of our students within the next couple of weeks," Mr. Melton's announcment said. He also praised the cooperation between the Menlo Park and Atherton police departments and the school district.

Menlo Park police ask that anyone who comes across an iPad bearing a "San Mateo County School District" logo call 330-6300 to turn it in.

Mr. Maldanado remains in custody on $50,000 bail. The court scheduled a preliminary hearing for Sept. 29; the case includes charges of theft from the German-American International School and Laurel Elementary School as well as the $16,000 worth of iPads stolen from Hillview.

Already on probation for possession of stolen property in Santa Clara County, he also faces charges for somehow acquiring 10 laptops stolen from the Palo Alto Unified School District, according to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office.