(Lewis) Three people have been charged in connection with the theft of a church bell from the United Congregational Methodist Church in Lewis.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says Trenton Baier, 31, of Lewis was charged with 2nd Degree Theft. Shialea Cozad, 30, and Phillip Duncan, 62, both of Omaha, Nebraska, were each charged with Theft 2nd Degree and Controlled Substance Violation.
The Sheriff’s Office was made aware of the theft of the bell on March 19th. Deputies of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office actively investigated this crime. The Sheriff’s Office was also informed that area citizens were offering a $5,000 cash reward for the return of the bell. Through the investigation, deputies spoke with several citizens of the community and followed up on many leads. Deputies executed multiple warrants, interviewed numerous persons of interest and have completed the criminal investigation.
The investigation led deputies to areas of interest in Omaha, Nebraska and Council Bluffs. During the course of this investigation, Deputies received information that led them to believe the bell had been destroyed.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank various agencies of the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Omaha Police Department, Council Bluffs Police Department, Atlantic Police Department and the City of Lewis for assistance during this investigation.
All criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in the court of law.
