Five teenagers are charged with stealing a nativity scene from a Bedford County church, and investigators released a photo that shows the five posing with the stolen religious figures. They were taken from the Shiloh United Methodist Church in Forest late Sunday night. Three nineteen year olds and two juveniles face grand larceny and felony property damage charges. Investigators believe the suspects then destroyed the stolen figurines. The church had used them each Christmas for for 40 years.
(Continue reading for a larger photo more information from the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office)
Here is more information from the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office:
Adults arrested:
- John Killgo, 19-years-old, of Forest
- Scott Cooley, 19-year-old, of Forest
- Matthew Barringer, 19-years-old, of Forest
Each of the three adults above faces charges of:
- Grand larceny
- Felony property damage
- Trespassing on church property after dark
- Contributing to the delinquency of a minor (2 counts each)
The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office did not release the names of the juvenile who were arrested. Each juvenile faces charges of:
- Grand larceny
- Felony property damage
- Trespassing on church property after dark
Both of the juveniles are being held at the Lynchburg Detention Home.
Church members estimate the value of the stolen items at $200-2,500.
