Police: Students commit crime for historic lesson

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Four Indiana State University students are facing felonies.

A history lesson gone wrong in a botched burglary.

That's why the four men claim they're in jail.

Police caught Brook Broadus, Robert Brookbank, Michael McCormick and Joshua Thais breaking into the Terre Haute Masonic Lodge early Monday morning.

"They told the officers on the scene they'd been studying Masonic Templar history and they were curious to see what they could find," Terre Haute Police Detective Julia Dierdorf said.

Police said the four students used the fire escape to get on the roof of the temple, then they were able to get inside.

Once inside, police said Brookbank tried to steal a sword, sheath and sash from the secretive society.

Police believe the burglary was well-planned..

"They had been there the week prior and knew the entry door on the roof was unsecure," Detective Dierdorf said.

The four men didn't comment on the charges on their way out of court Monday.

Police said they hope the students have learned an important lesson.

"Fortunately no one was hurt and nothing was actually taken. Hopefully these four will find a new way to do their history," Detective Dierdorf said.

At this time all four students are facing burglary charges.

They're expected back in court Thursday morning for formal charges.

News 10 will continue to follow this story.