Former Owens Cross Roads Elementary Employee Arrested for Burglary

Ashley Glover Peace, 34, admitted to stealing food and cleaning supplies from the school

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:52pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken lock or key against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the breach of security at a school.A former school employee's betrayal of trust exposes vulnerabilities in campus security.Owens Cross Roads Today

The Madison County Sheriff's Office has arrested a former employee of Owens Cross Roads Elementary School in Alabama after she admitted to burglarizing the school and stealing numerous food items and cleaning supplies. Ashley Glover Peace, 34, was identified as the suspect through security footage and later confessed to the crime during an interview with investigators.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the troubling issue of school burglaries, which can disrupt educational environments and undermine public trust. As a former employee, Peace's actions are especially concerning and raise questions about security protocols and employee vetting procedures at the school.

The details

On March 28, 2026, sheriff's deputies responded to a burglary call at Owens Cross Roads Elementary, where numerous food items and cleaning supplies were reported stolen. Investigators obtained security footage and identified Peace as the suspect, determining that she used a key to gain access to the building. Peace was later found living in the Lacey's Spring area of Morgan County, and on April 1, deputies took her into custody with the assistance of the Morgan County Sheriff's Office. During an interview, Peace admitted to her involvement in the burglary.

  • On March 28, 2026, sheriff's deputies responded to the burglary call at Owens Cross Roads Elementary.
  • On April 1, 2026, deputies arrested Ashley Glover Peace.

The players

Ashley Glover Peace

A 34-year-old former employee of Owens Cross Roads Elementary School who admitted to burglarizing the school and stealing food and cleaning supplies.

Madison County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the burglary at Owens Cross Roads Elementary and arrested Ashley Glover Peace.

Morgan County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that assisted the Madison County Sheriff's Office in apprehending Ashley Glover Peace.

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What they’re saying

“Investigators determined that Peace used a key to gain access to the building.”

— Madison County Sheriff's Office

“During an interview, MCSO said that Peace admitted to her involvement in the burglary.”

— Madison County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

Peace was transported to the Madison County Jail but has since bonded out. The case will now proceed through the criminal justice system.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for robust security measures and thorough employee background checks at schools to prevent such breaches of trust and protect educational environments. The arrest of a former employee for burglary raises concerns about insider threats and the importance of ongoing vigilance to safeguard school property and resources.