Second suspect jailed in library statue theft

COLUMBIANA — The second suspect in the theft of a bronze sculpture at the Columbiana Public Library is in the county jail. Columbiana police said Michael Nagel Jr., 23, of Youngstown, is being held on a $100,000 bond.

He was taken into custody Sunday at a mobile home park near Leetonia. He is charged with receiving stolen property.

Matthew Stoffer, 21, of Columbiana, was arrested earlier on the same charge.

The sculpture depicts a boy and girl sitting on a bench reading a book, with room on the bench for another child to join them. The work by artist Max Turner is called “The Readers.” The sculpture weighs about 400 pounds and is 44 inches long, 30 feet wide and 36 inches tall. It is being stored by Columbiana police.

The suspects allegedly sold the piece, which cost $12,500, for $331.50 at a Youngstown scrap yard. The sculpture sustained minor damage.