Security Guard Caught Trying to Steal Sports Memorabilia

Story Created: Jun 18, 2012 at 5:50 PM PDT

Story Updated: Jun 18, 2012 at 6:03 PM PDT

School administrators in Orcutt are calling it a wake up call--
A security guard broke into a display case inside a Junior High School Gym, and tried to steal sports memorabilia, signed by local pro baseball player-turned-manager, Robin Ventura.

Ventura played pro ball for the White Sox, Yankees, Dodgers and the Mets, and currently manages the White Sox.

He attended Lakeview Junior High School. Year's later, he donated money to help build a new gym.

"He wanted to help, he put in a good floor, so he donated over $200,000," says Orcutt Union School District Superintendent, Bob Bush.

School administrators dedicated the building to the alum, and created the memorabilia case.
A case that apparently caught the eye of a young security guard--Cameron James Taylor--hired the night before the junior high's graduation, to keep an eye on the school's stage and chairs that had been set out for the morning ceremony.

"At some point during the night, the security guard came through the restroom into this lobby, and for whatever reason decided he wanted things in the trophy case," says Bush.

Taylor broke the lock, and took several items, including an autographed baseball.
And--may have gotten away with it. Administrators say there isn't an alarm in the lobby.

"He then tried to get into the gym part, which has 4 signed jersey's mounted in cases from each four teams he played for on the wall. The minute he crossed into the gym, the alarm went off."

Sheriff's deputies responded, and questioned Taylor.

"They wanted identification. He said, 'its in my truck.' So when he walked to the truck, a ball fell out of his pocket--which is the ball signed by Robbin Ventura."

Officers also found a plastic trash bag--full of other baseball gear--stolen from the case. They believe Taylor may have planned to take with him at the end of his shift.
Officers arrested Taylor for felony burglary.

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