School Burglary Case Headed to Grand Jury

A grand jury will hear the case against a man accused of burglarizing a local school.

The McCracken County Circuit Court Clerk says 19-year-old Jae'don Blanchard of Paducah appeared before Judge Chris Hollowell Tuesday for a preliminary hearing. He's facing a charge of 3rd degree burglary, related to events on July 7. 

The McCracken County Sheriff's Office says a woman called 911 when she saw a broken window at Hendron-Lone Oak Elementary School while spending time with her child at the playground. Deputies say they spotted Blanchard run out the rear entrance of the school, and he was caught a short distance away. Deputies said Blanchard tried to steal several electronic items worth more than a thousand dollars. He also reportedly broke two windows, a desk, and an outdoor storage box containing sports equipment.

Based on testimony at the hearing, Judge Hollowell bound the case over to a grand jury hearing on August 15. Blanchard is still listed as an inmate at McCracken County Jail.