UPDATE: A Boise man has been charged with vandalizing the replica of the Liberty Bell in front of the Idaho Statehouse. Tim Jay Jones is accused of scratching an expletive into the bell last Saturday. Jones' official charge is misdemeanor Malicious Injury to Property.
Thanks to evidence gathered during an investigation by Idaho State Police, a trooper issued the citation to Jones after finding him at his home Thursday afternoon. The summons issued to Jones means he is required to appear in court on the charge at a later date.
Troopers would like to thank members of the public who came forward with information about the crime. Investigating troopers say citizens tips were very helpful in not only furthering the investigation but also in immediately reporting the crime that allowed state workers to quickly repair the damage done.
ORIGINAL STORY: Idaho State Police Department is investigating damage done to the replica of the Liberty Bell that sits outside the Idaho Statehouse.
According to police, witnesses reported seeing a man parked in a car on the Jefferson St. curb in front of the Capitol. Witnesses allegedly say the man got out of his car and used a sharp object to scratch an expletive into the bell.
Today, ISP reports state employees were able to repair some of the damage done to the bell.
ISP is investigating the vandalism.
