LAS CRUCES, N.M. (U-WIRE) - Five men are still awaiting trial after allegedly burglarizing several New Mexico State University buildings by way of an underground tunnel system on campus.
Former NMSU student David Burgess along with Las Cruces residents Rick Sarracino; Joseph Washburn, and Peter Gonzalez have been charged with several counts of burglary, said Lt. Dominic King of the NMSU Police Department.
They were arrested March 27 by NMSU police and are suspected of stealing several computers, televisions and other electronic items from various campus buildings, King said.
The suspects allegedly entered the buildings through a system of underground tunnels.
They had broken into the tunnels on several different occasions, King said.
The tunnels run about two and a half miles underground and connect several of the buildings on campus.
The tunnels were built about 40 years ago and are used for delivering thermal utilities such as high pressure steam and chilled water, said Ben Woods, NMSU vice president for facilities.
"Students walk above these tunnels everyday. They are strictly for utility purposes and can be very dangerous," Woods said.
If convicted, this would be the first time an organized group has used the tunnels to break into campus buildings, King said.
Since the burglaries, the tunnel locks have been changed and more surveillance has been put on the openings into the tunnels throughout campus.
Both King and Woods warn that criminal charges will be pressed to the "fullest extent" against anyone caught trespassing through the tunnels.
The suspects have also been connected to a stolen truck and burglaries at Zia Middle School and Camino Real Middle School.
09-24-99
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