Women arrested in Nativity scene thefts

MONMOUTH, Ill., Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Five women, all students, were charged with stealing statues of the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph from a Nativity display in Monmouth, Ill., police said.

Warren County Assistant State's Attorney Sherry Lawson-Weaver said the Monmouth College students allegedly took the three statues and two others from the Monmouth Public Square before driving off in a maroon SUV, WGIL Radio of Galesburg, Ill., reported.

Authorities later identified the vehicle at a local gas station where the driver allegedly confessed to the theft when questioned.

The students were charged with theft, police said.

The statues were later recovered from the lawn of Monmouth College President Mauri Ditzler, the (Monmouth) Daily Review Atlas reported.

"The five Nativity statues that were taken from the Public Square have been safely returned to their home on the Square for all to view and enjoy," Lawson-Weaver said.