Pennsylvania
Morning headlines: Ring of thieves charged in Pennsylvania melted down stolen Maris trophies, court docs say
Here is your InForum Minute audio for Friday, June 16.
SCRANTON, Penn. — Nine Pennsylvanians are accused of belonging to a theft ring that stole rare artwork and sports memorabilia, including awards swiped during a 2016 break-in at the Roger Maris Museum in Fargo’s West Acres mall.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania alleged the nine conspired over a period of 20 years, beginning in August 1999, to break into museums and other institutions to steal “priceless works of art, sports memorabilia, and other objects.”
Among the stolen items were Maris’ S. Rae Hickok Belt, which he was awarded in 1961, and his 1960 American League MVP Award, prosecutors said. The two awards were taken from a display case at the Roger Maris Museum.
The Major League Baseball player’s awards and other stolen objects were transported to northeastern Pennsylvania, where they were melted down into metal pieces, according to court documents unsealed Thursday, June 15.
Full story here
.