Bronze statue made in tribute of abused, neglected kids stolen from courthouse

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas – Authorities are searching for the person responsible for vandalizing and stealing statues that stood as a tribute to abused and neglected children.

Terri Jaggers, the acting President and Chairman of Montgomery County CPS Child Welfare Board and Director of Engagement and Adoption at Orphan Care Solutions, reported vandalism of several statues at the Montgomery County Courthouse Tuesday night.

The bronze statues were donated in April by Spirit of Texas Bank. One of the bronze statues titled A.J. was stolen, and another statue, T.J., was broken.

The statues were the love project of Montgomery County CPS New Year's Eve gala, "Light Up the Night With Hope," on December 31, 2013. A granite marker at the location reads "In tribute to Montgomery County's abused and neglected children, those who protect them, and those who care for them."

"This was the cornerstone of the courthouse adoptions and press conference! It is sickening," Jaggers posted.  "It was special and a reflection of the value our community places on caring for our children.  My tears are of anger and hurt … frustration and simply not knowing where to go from here."

Jaggers is asking scrap yards to be aware of the missing statue and prays the thief doesn't attempt to cut A.J. up in an attempt to sell it.

Anyone with information on the vandalism and theft of the statues is encouraged to contact the the  Conroe Police Department at 936-522-3200, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 936-760-5800.

Anonymous tips can be reported to Montgomery County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-STOP (7867), or contacted through the website at the link provided. Readers are asked to share this article on their social media pages in an effort to apprehend the thief and recover the bronze figure.