Keokuk, IA – Keokuk Police Chief Tom Crew says the break-in at the South Lee County Courthouse occurred sometime after 2:00 A.M. on Wednesday.
He says the person or persons involved gained entrance by smashing an upper-story window.
Crew says he is only aware of a lap-top computer being taken from the judges' chambers.
He is waiting for reports from employees in the building as they check their offices.
Crew says much of the damage consisted of computers being tipped over and paperwork being tossed around.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Ernie Schiller says he has been in close contact with the county employees in the courthouse.
He says all of the county's records and documents were secured and nothing was breached.
The courthouse was closed to the public on Wednesday so investigators could process the scene.
Schiller is putting together a new task force to work on a safety and security procedure for all county buildings.
He says that panel will make recommendations to the full county board.
Lee County has added security features for use by employees, such as emergency alert buttons.
The system, though, does not protect the building overnight.
Burglary Arrests
Meanwhile, a pair of teenagers has been charged in connection with a break-in at Hawthorne Elementary School and the vandalism of cars at SCC's Keokuk campus.
Tyler Washburn, 18, and Alan Westermeyer, 18, both of Keokuk, have been charged with felony burglary and criminal mischief and misdemeanor possession of burglar's tools.
They each face up to 12 years in prison.
Police Chief Tom Crew says individuals missing cameras, cell phones, GPS devices or coins from their cars are encouraged to contact the Keokuk Police Department.
He says this case does not appear to be related to the break-in at the South Lee County Courthouse.
A third arrest has been made, though the details have yet to be released.