Crime & Safety

Update: Langley High School Custodian Arrested

Alba L. Cosme of Falls Church has been charged in a series of thefts at the high school

UPDATE, 12 p.m., Tuesday: The Langley High School custodian who was arrested last week and charged with several felony counts of theft has been identified as Alba L. Cosme, 43, of 6001 Vista Drive, Apartment 104, in Falls Church. The suspect has been charged with three counts of grand larceny and two counts of possession of stolen property. All of the charges are felonies.

Original Post:

A Langley High School custodian has been arrested and charged with several counts of grand larceny in connection with a series of thefts at the school, according to a note that the principal issued today.

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"Over the last several months we have advertised for students and teachers to be vigilant in protecting their belongings and securing their property from theft," Langley principal Matthew Ragone said in a note sent to parents.  "There has been an unusually high rate of theft from backpacks, cars, and teachers' classrooms.

"Because we have engaged in an anti-theft campaign, I find it necessary to report to you that an arrest has been made in connection with some thefts here at Langley High School," Ragone wrote.

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 Ragone told the Langley community that the custodian, who was not named,  has been suspended without pay from Fairfax County Public Schools. 

"The arrest does not mean all belongings and property are safe," Ragone cautioned. "Students and teachers are reminded to remain vigilant in keeping their belongings secured.  Lockers are available to all students.  Students should come to the main office if they don't know their locker numbers or combinations.  The best way to secure valuable items is to not bring them to school or to keep them on your person at all times. "


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