Suspect in Capitol break-in could face felony charge

Douglas Webster McClary, 35, of 410 Englewood Ave., was arrested Sunday morning and charged with a misdemeanor count of breaking and entering after State Capitol Police found him in a second-floor stairwell.

Authorities said he broke a first-floor window on the west end of the building and climbed inside.

A number of items, including window panes and a pine bench dating to the 1840s, were damaged.

Ernie Seneca, a spokesman for the state Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, said State Capitol Police are waiting to see if the bench is certified to be a historical artifact. If so, McClary could face a felony charge.

McClary, also charged with first-degree trespassing, damage to real property and damage to personal property, is employed as a financial analyst at Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy.

A university spokesman said Monday that he is on paid administrative leave, pending a review of the case.

McClary is out of jail on a $5,000 secured bond. His first court date is Jan. 20.