Beckley, W.VA – A major bronze statue stolen from a cultural center in Beckle has been recovered and returned to the right place.
On Monday, 26 February, Tamarack Marketplace reported the theft of its climber statue, built by West Virginia artist Berl Jones. The statue symbolizes the “rugged soul and heritage” of the state.
Mountaineering statue in Tamarind Marketplace in Beckle (Photo/West Virginia State Police)
The security team on the site of West Virginia State Police Troup 7 and Tamarack worked together a few days to detect the stole statue. On Thursday, 29 February, Trupers found the idol in Mint’s position.
Trupers arrested 53 -year -old Billy Paul Brown of PACS. He has been accused of a count of grand larrene.
Tamarack Marketplace Executive Director Tammy Cofman said, “We are happy to announce a safe recovery of climbing statue of theft.” “The collaborative efforts between our on-site security team and West Virginia State Trupers have demonstrated the effectiveness of active and cooperative measures in the protection of our cultural property.”
“This collaborative achievement confirms the importance of community association and cooperation in maintaining the safety and integrity of our shared cultural treasures, said Troop 7 Captain JS McCarti. “From the beginning of the investigation, the traupers handed over, made it his mission to bring the climber statue back home.”