LAPLACE — Felony charges in the juvenile justice system and expulsion from the public school system are some of the consequences nine local boys are facing after thousands of dollars in damages were rung up at LaPlace Elementary School.

“In my opinion one of the worst things a child can do is destroy something that is for them,” St. John Parish Public Schools Superintendent Kevin George said. “That is taking computers and resources that are for students who need them. We don’t take that lightly. If these are our students, we will be looking for school sanctions.”

The vandalism began at approximately 6:15 p.m. June 14 — as captured on school security cameras — and was discovered the next day. Police were not notified because the teacher who came upon the damage cleaned up the mess before alerting administrators.

The vandalism, which included graffiti and destroyed computers, was repeated and escalated at approximately 6 p.m. Sunday and discovered the next day.

LaPlace Elementary School is hosting the School District extended-school year program for elementary age students.

Police and school officials have not released an estimate for repairs, but authorities said it is substantial.

“The graffiti that was on the wall easily came off,” George said. “They did some damage to several of our computers on site. Because it happened on our school site, we are allowed to pursue school sanctions. We are working with the sheriff’s department to get the names of the youths.”

Police said the juveniles, who range in ages from 10 to 16, entered through unlocked doors.

Recorded video surveillance aided officers in identifying the juveniles, all from LaPlace, police said.

Those booked include:

• 10-year-old juvenile. Charges: simple burglary – immovable structure; and simple criminal damage to property – $500-$50,000 (felony)

• 12-year-old juvenile. Charges: simple burglary – immovable structure; simple criminal damage to property – $500-$50,000 (felony)

• 12-year-old juvenile. Charges: simple burglary – immovable structure; simple criminal damage to property $500-$50,000 (felony)

• 13-year-old juvenile. Charges: criminal damage to property $500-$50,000 (felony) and simple burglary – immovable structure

• 13-year-old juvenile. Charges: three counts of simple burglary – immovable structure, and three counts of simple criminal damage to property – $500-$50,000 (felony)

• 13-year-old juvenile. Charges: two counts simple burglary – immovable Structure; and two counts simple criminal damage to property – $500-$50,000 (felony)

• 14-year-old juvenile. Charges: three counts simple burglary – immovable structure; and three counts simple criminal damage to property – $500-$50,000 (felony)

• 14-year-old juvenile. Charges: two counts simple burglary – Immovable Structure; and two counts simple criminal damage to property $500-$50,000 (felony)

• 16-year-old juvenile: Charges: two counts simple burglary – Immovable Structure; two counts criminal damage to property – $500-$50,000 (felony)

The juveniles were released Tuesday to their parents or guardians.