AMC Theater Theft: Two Arrested for Vandalism and Burglary in Forsyth, Illinois
Forsyth, IL – Two men are in custody following their arrest for allegedly stealing copper pipes and building materials from the long-abandoned AMC Theater located at the Hickory Point Mall in Forsyth, Illinois. The incident, which has caused significant damage, has prompted a police investigation and led to charges of burglary and criminal damage to property.
Details of the Arrest
According to a press release from the Macon County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to a call at the former AMC Theater on March 30th at approximately 11:50 PM. Upon arrival, accompanied by a K9 unit, officers observed clear signs of forced entry. Inside the building, they discovered Michael Large, 43, and Kelsey Sandage, 40, actively stealing valuable materials, including copper pipes, electrical wiring, breaker boxes, and other building components.
Both Large and Sandage were immediately arrested and charged with:
- Criminal Damage to Property (over $100,000)
- Burglary
- Possession of Burglary Tools
Repeated Offenses and Surveillance
Authorities revealed that the suspects admitted to entering the abandoned AMC Theater at least four times over the past few weeks. The initial discovery of damage at the site occurred last week, prompting deputies to increase surveillance of the property. This proactive monitoring ultimately led to the apprehension of Large and Sandage.
The abandoned theater, once a popular entertainment destination, has become a target for vandalism and theft. The extent of the damage is estimated to exceed $100,000, highlighting the severity of the crime.
Court Date and Further Investigation
Michael Large and Kelsey Sandage were transported to the Macon County Jail and subsequently released with a notice to appear in court. Their court date is scheduled for April 14th. The Macon County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate the incident and assess the full extent of the damage to the AMC Theater property.
This case underscores the challenges faced by property owners with abandoned buildings and the importance of security measures to prevent vandalism and theft. For more information on property crime prevention, you can visit the Office of Victims of Crime website.
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