Man arrested for stealing Torah scroll from Kentucky hospital

Jewish Hospital in Louisville says early assessment of the recovered Jewish artifact, said to be worth $30,000, indicates minimal damage

By JTA and ToI Staff 17 October 2018, 10:21 pm

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Jewish Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky (Google Streetview)

A man in Louisville, Kentucky, was arrested after he stole a Torah scroll from the Jewish Hospital.

The Torah scroll, which was on display at the medical center, was stolen on Sunday, local media reported. The theft of the religious object, which is valued at about $30,000, was captured on a surveillance camera.

Hospital security stopped David James Macon Jr., 27, on Tuesday, believing he was the same person seen in the security footage taking the scroll.

Macon was wearing the same clothes as he was on the night of the theft, the CBS affiliate WLKY reported, citing a police arrest report.

He was charged with theft over $10,000 and burglary.

“Jewish Hospital is especially grateful to the individuals who found and recovered our Torah. It was secured, but intentionally kept in a public area to be in the presence of our patients, employees and all that we serve,” said the hospital in a statement. “It is unfortunate that anyone would tamper with such a sacred document. An early assessment of the Torah indicates minimal damage.”