Thief Steals Checotah School's Band Trailer Full Of Instruments, Equipment

Middle school students in Checotah are sad after a thief stole their band trailer that contained all of their instruments and equipment.

They need all of that equipment to compete, and both competition and marching season are just around the corner.

The band director said the trailer was left outside the school overnight over Easter weekend and when they returned, it was gone. There is more than $15,000 of equipment missing.

Jessica Ogden is an 8th grader at Checotah Middle School and has been with the band for years.

"It makes me really upset that someone could do that to kids when we've worked really hard for everything in there and they can just take it so easily," Ogden said.

Ogden said some of her personal equipment was also in the trailer. "I had my rifle, my saber personally and my rifle I've had it for years now and I love it so much," Ogden said.

Ashley Hackler is the head band and color guard director and said if no one speaks up, they're going to have to start over completely.

"We live in a rural community and a lot of times whenever these kids finally raise enough money to get something through fundraisers or something, they're so proud of it and it takes a while to raise that kind of money," Hackler said.

She said students had just wrapped up their showcase when the trailer was stolen and with more competitions coming up and marching season starting in the summer, they will have to hold fundraisers to replace everything.

"We've had to scrape to try to find equipment for them to use and costumes for them to use," Hackler said.

Hackler said students and families spent a lot of money buying all of the costumes, color guard equipment, decorations and more.

Shayla Waters, an 8th grade band member, said they need all of their equipment to be successful. "Please give it back. That would be so kind because we really need that stuff," Waters.

The trailer is white with a pull down back door and a door on the passenger side. It also has a ding on the silver metal in the front.

If you happen to come across the trailer, please contact the Checotah Police Department at 918-473-4555.

Click here for the Checotah middle school band's GoFundMe.