By Gracie Jackson
SARGENT COUNTY, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A second man has been arrested in connection to the theft of a 700-pound bell from White Stone Hill Cemetery.
On Monday, September 15, the Sargent County Sheriff’s Department received a call regarding a theft at the Cemetery. The cemetery says the bell was donated by the Luther League of the White Stone Hill Congregation in 1912.
Documents say the bell was last seen in place on Monday, September 1, and was gone on September 6.
After further investigation, it was learned that on September 10, Derek Sims sold 158 pounds of yellow brass as scrap to Northern Metal Recycling in West Fargo.
Documents say the scrap was determined to be parts of the bell that had words inscribed into the pieces but had been grinded off to remove any identifying characteristics.
Sims is facing one charge of theft and is scheduled to make his first court appearance on November 6.
The first suspect, Paul Vincent was located and arrested in Gwinner on September 16.
The replacement cost of the bell is estimated to be between $40,000 and $45,000.
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