KNOX CO. — Authorities in Knox County arrested a man in connection with the theft of a large bell from a local church.
Deputies were called to Royal Oak Presbyterian Church in early February to investigate damage to the church and discovered that its bell had been stolen.
A few days later, authorities in Illinois contacted the Knox County Sheriff’s Office to report that a large brass bell weighing 345 pounds had been sold in their county. The bell, cut into pieces, had been sold to a recycling company for approximately $724.
Through their investigation, authorities identified 42-year-old Travis Heath as a suspect. Heath was taken into custody on Tuesday and booked into the Knox County Jail for theft and criminal mischief charges.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
