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After 40 CPS Laptops Stolen, Thief Caught Logging Into Facebook, Police Say

By Erin Meyer | October 31, 2013 5:44pm | Updated on October 31, 2013 5:57pm
 Paul Calmese, 18, was charged with stealing 40 computers from Dearborn Elementary School after officials using tracking software saw him log into Facebook on one of the stolen devices.
Paul Calmese, 18, was charged with stealing 40 computers from Dearborn Elementary School after officials using tracking software saw him log into Facebook on one of the stolen devices.
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COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE — When a Chicago teen logged into his Facebook account on a laptop he allegedly stole from Fort Dearborn Elementary School, he probably didn't realize someone might be watching him.

Paul Calmese, 18, was arrested and charged with burglary Tuesday, almost two years after 40 laptop computers disappeared from Fort Dearborn Elementary, 9025 S. Throop St.

On Thursday, when Calmese appeared for a brief bond hearing, prosecutors said that the stolen computers were equipped with security software that allows the owner to monitor how the computer is being used.

In this case, Assistant State's Attorney Lorraine Scaduto said, officials could see an open Facebook account for an individual by the name of Paul Calmese.

Calmese's DNA was later found to match a spot of blood left at the scene of the computer theft two years ago, Scaduto said.

Charged with one count of burglary, Calmese was ordered held on $50,000 bail.

Prosecutors did not say whether that school laptops were recovered.