Alleged glue prankster denies charge

Another of the three former La Quinta High School students who allegedly put glue in door locks at the school as a senior prank a few days before graduation pleaded not guilty Wednesday to felony charges.

Jose Requeo, 18, of Indio, pleaded not guilty to vandalizing property
causing more than $400 damage and a conspiracy charge. He was ordered back to court Aug. 12.

The other two charged are Joseph Alonzo Barnum, 18, of La Quinta, who
faces one count each of conspiracy, vandalism causing damage of more than $400 and cocaine possession; and Steven Jimenez, 18, of La Quinta, who is charged with one count each of conspiracy and vandalism.

The trio were arrested by sheriff’s detectives in the June 2 prank.

Jimenez pleaded not guilty last week, and Barnum is due in court on Aug. 13, according to court records.

A 17-year-old boy also was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy and vandalism. His name was withheld because he is a juvenile, and it was unclear what charges he may face.

The three allegedly carpooled to the school’s soccer field, walked to the school and put glue in the door locks. Earlier, a sheriff’s sergeant said the prank caused thousands of dollars damage.

Sherry Johnstone, assistant superintendent for personnel at Desert Sands
Unified School District, confirmed that the accused students did not
participate in graduation ceremonies.

“Walking in graduation is a privilege to be earned,” she wrote in an email.

Barnum, Requeno and Jimenez each posted a $10,000 bond.