Theft charges were dropped today against one of two former security guards at Highland Park Community High School who police investigators said were captured on a video camera stealing laptop computers.

Willie Johnson, 45, who had been charged with larceny, was to have his preliminary examination today. Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Gary Bresnehan told 30th District Court Judge Brigette Officer that the charges were being dismissed without prejudice.

“It feels great to have this dismissed,” Johnson said after court. “I’ve been telling them all along I didn’t do anything.”

His lawyer, David Cripps, said the prosecutor’s office did not have any evidence against his client. ”I saw absolutely nothing on the videotape except an employee doing his job,” Cripps said. “Nothing illegal at all.”

He said, “Obviously, this is a tremendous victory for Mr. Johnson.”

Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Maria Miller said there was insufficient evidence to go forward with Johnson’s case. “If that changes, we could reissue the case,” she said.

Miller would not comment on the video.

Now that the charges are dropped, Johnson said, “I would like my job back.”

He said school district officials fired him after they determined that he stole the laptops in December.

Cripps said that “we’ll talk about all possible options” in terms of getting Johnson’s job back. “He was wrongfully discharged for allegations he didn’t do,” Cripps said.

As for the other defendant in the case, Corey Jones, 36, also was to have his preliminary examination today but it was adjourned until March 9. His lawyer, Steven Scharg, was in Arizona on another case.

If convicted, Jones, who is charged with larceny, could be sentenced up to four years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. He also is charged as a habitual offender because he has two armed robbery convictions.

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