FORT MYERS, Fla. -- James Caprinio, the former building supervisor at Lehigh Acres Middle School begged Lee County School Board members to keep his job. "I regret it. I'll regret it for the rest of my life but I just ask your forgiveness. I would do anything to remain a District employee," Caprino said.
Caprino's employment would be decided by the boards vote after stealing school aluminum valued at $300 dollars and selling it for $46 to pocket.
"When you have an adult make a conscious decision to steal from your employer, you crossed the line," said School Board Member, Steven Teuber.
Caprinio wanted to keep the job for years to come. "I wanted to live out my dream of retiring with you guys. I just can't say I'm sorry enough," Caprino said.
His emotional plea swayed board member Mary Fischer into finding a way to keep him employed. Fischer, "Are their opportunities for this employee to do some kind of community service and make restitution and still keep employment ?" she asked her fellow board members. "A decision like this one is a very difficult one. We do not have at the current time restorative practices as it relates to employees," said Superintendent Gregory Adkins.
Caprino's job wasn't the only one board members voted on Tuesday. Mariner High School custodian Daniel Preston sold opium and prescription pills to undercover cops on two occasions and once in front of a minor.
When the time came for Preston to plead his case, he didn't show up.
Board members voted 5 to 0 to terminate Preston's employment.
