Man seized stealing Torah scroll from Kentucky hospital

“It is unfortunate that anyone would tamper with such a sacred document,” Kentucky’s Jewish Hospital stated. 

By Joseph Wolkin

David James Macon Jr., 27, was arrested Tuesday for allegedly stealing a Torah scroll from the Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky.

The hospital featured the scroll, worth about $30,000, on display. But on Sunday, it went missing.

Fortunately for the hospital, the theft was caught on surveillance cameras. The local CBS affiliate, WLKY, noted that during his arrest, Macon was wearing the same clothes as he was on the night of the theft when police arrested him on Tuesday.

“Jewish Hospital is especially grateful to the individuals who found and recovered our Torah,” the hospital said in a press release. “It was secured but intentionally kept in a public area to be in the presence of our patients, employees and all that we serve.

“It is unfortunate that anyone would tamper with such a sacred document. An early assessment of the Torah indicates minimal damage.”

The scroll was found at the University of Louisville’s dental school.

Macon was charged with theft over $10,000 and will also face burglary charges.

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