Rodney Barnes, Florida gym teacher caught stealing from students’ lockers
A Florida gym teacher suspected of stealing money from students’ lockers was allegedly caught with ultraviolet powder coating his thieving hands after an elaborate months-long sting. The teacher was then arrested as the investigation continues.
“Operation: Sticky Fingers,” an investigation partnering with the Volusia County Sheriff’s office and New Smyrna Beach High School, resulted in the arrested of Rodney Barnes, 43, on Monday. The Tuesday reports detail how Volusia County sheriff’s officials said they used invisible luminescent powder sprinkled on decoy money to catch Barnes.
Authorities said nine students lost $950, but they expect those numbers to rise as the investigation continues. After several thefts in the boys’ locker room, the school bought an ultraviolet theft detection kit. A student was given a wallet containing $141 and each bill was coated with luminescent powder. After some of the money was taken, officials search students for traces of the powder.
“The result was a plainly visible yellowish-green fluorescent glow on both of his hands,” stated the sheriff’s department.
Forty-three year-old Barnes admitted taking the money and confessed to several other thefts.
He was charged Monday with burglary and grand theft, booked in jail on a $3,000 bond.
