Maryland students accused of releasing 72,000 ladybugs at school

Staff | WUSA-TV

Show Caption Hide Caption Seniors release 72,000 ladybugs in school as prank A debate is emerging over the punishment for seven high school seniors who released 72,000 ladybugs into their school for a senior prank. The St. Mary's County, Maryland Sheriff's Department said charges include burglary and property destruction.

MORGANZA, Md. — Several high school students have been charged with burglary after they allegedly released tens of thousands of ladybugs across their school as part of a senior prank.

The high school is located an hour outside of Washington, D.C., in St. Mary's County, Md.

According to the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, five students broke into Chopticon High School at 3:40 a.m. Wednesday by forcing a door open. Once they were inside, the students released approximately 72,000 ladybugs into the school.

While investigating, authorities identified seven suspects, including two who waited in the car while the others went inside the school. The investigation also found one of the students ordered the ladybugs off the Internet.

Four juvenile male suspects were charged with fourth-degree burglary, property destruction under $1,000 and disruption of school activities. The remaining three suspects, all adult males, will be charged by criminal summons.