Teacher Elizabeth Logan and the Stolen Coat

(Hillsboro, Oregon) In May 2007, a first-grade teacher at Jackson Elementary School, Elizabeth Lucinda Logan, was indicted by a grand jury for allegedly stealing a third-grade student's jacket and trying to sell it on eBay.

Logan, 42, was charged with first-degree theft and felony unlawful use of a computer. She was put on paid leave from her teaching position. According to the Hillsboro School Board, Logan resigned on May 10.

Logan's trial began this week with the defense immediately calling for a mistrial because the coat in question could not be found. Apparently, the coat, or jacket, was never logged in as evidence and somehow got lost. Judge Marco A. Hernandez said he would allow the prosecution to present its case and refused to grant a mistrial.

In another development, Judge Hernandez ruled that Logan's confession to the police is admissable.

"The defendant's version of the events is simply not credible," Hernandez said at the end of a two-day hearing on defense motions to suppress her statements.

In her defense, Logan took the stand and testified this week.

Logan said she took a similar coat home, but it was months before the student ever reported it missing. She doesn't think it's the same coat.

Logan also said it was common for people to take home unclaimed coats; otherwise, the school janitor would throw them away.

"If you wanted a coat, or if your child wanted a coat, go back to the boiler room and go through the boxes," Logan said.

The trial will resume on Tuesday when Logan will be cross-examined by the prosecution.

Tip: Don Morgenstern


[Update 11/09/07]

A jury deliberated over two days before finding Logan guilty of attempted first-degree theft, computer crime and third-degree theft. Sentencing is scheduled for November 20th.


[Update 11/20/07]

Elizabeth Logan sentenced today to 18 months probation. The judge also ordered Logan to serve 150 hours of community service, pay about $1,000 in fines and refrain from using online auction sites such as eBay. 

So, after all is said and done, Logan has a felony record, lost her job, is out $1,000 and it's all because of a stolen coat that probably was worth about $100. Not a smart move, Logan.