Leetonia, Ohio, schools superintendent Gerald Delboccio arrested after attempting to steal electronics from East Palestine High School

[Editor’s Note: In the video player above learn how Ohio schools are graded.]

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (WKBN) — The recently hired superintendent of the Leetonia School District is facing theft charges after police say he stole more than $4,300 worth of electronic devices from East Palestine High School.

Gerald Delboccio, 43, faces a theft charge after authorities say he attempted to steal electronic devices from the school district, according to East Palestine Police.

Delboccio is the current principal of East Palestine High School and was recently hired as superintendent of Leetonia schools after declining to be hired as superintendent of East Palestine schools. His resignation as high school principal is expected to take effect July 31.

The police report states that East Palestine School District administration officials reported that a number of electronic devices were missing from the principal's office on June 7. School district officials told police they noticed problems with Delboccio before the investigation, prompting them to contact officers.

Upon investigation, police discovered that the principal's office cupboard – which usually contains laptops, televisions, tablets and other electronic devices – had been emptied.

Security footage showed that on June 5, Delboccio was seen entering his office at East Palestine High School with a backpack and an empty bag, according to the police report. Security footage taken later that day also showed Delboccio carrying the bags — which then appeared full — out of the building, along with two boxes containing laptops, the police report said.

During the investigation, officers contacted Delboccio and found the electronic devices in the back of his car. The 29 items recovered included video game controllers, laptops, tablets, televisions and more, some of which were still sealed. The value of the items is estimated at approximately $4,382.

Delboccio was charged with theft – a fifth-degree felony – and was taken to the Columbiana County Jail, where he awaits arraignment.