Two men have been arrested for vandalizing the bronze memorial sculpture at the VFW post 8495 in Fairport.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office says 22-year-old Rhys Baetzhold of Pittsford (left photo) and 18-year-old Anthony Fennell of Perinton have been charged with grand larceny, criminal mischief and conspiracy. Both have been released on appearance tickets and will be in court on November 21st.
A department spokesman says deputies saw Baetzhold riding his bicycle early Sunday morning, recognized him and questioned him. Baetzhold allegedly admitted to stealing the monument and implicated Fennell in the crime.
Deputies searched Fennell’s house with permission of the homeowner and found the stolen monument in the basement, next to Fennell’s bed.
Investigators say they believe the two men planned and carried out the crime together.
The VFW’s monument depicted the “Battlefield Cross,” a pair of boots with a rifle stuck in the ground between them and a helmet on top. The bronze rifle and helmet were broken off and stolen.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to fix the vandalized memorial to fallen soldiers Iron Smoke Distillery launched the campaign at GoFundMe.com and says it will match every dollar raised up to the goal.