STAFFORD – Local police have issued an arrest warrant in connection with the theft of the iconic Jersey Devil statue snatched from Lucille’s Luncheonette-Country Cooking on Route 539.
Following an extensive investigation conducted by the Stafford Township Detective Bureau, an arrest warrant has been issued for 52-year-old Thomas L. Bintz of Chandlersville, OH. Bintz faces charges of fourth-degree Criminal Mischief and third-degree theft.
At present, Bintz remains at large, prompting authorities to urge anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact Detective Conner at jconner@staffordpolice.org or dial 609-597-1000 ext. 8461.
Karen Bates-Flynn, one of the popular dining spot’s owners, said cameras picked up the removal of the large wood-carved Jersey Devil on Friday, June 24, at 10:18 pm.
“We noticed from the camera that he came from the south,” said Bates-Flynn. “He then drove north, turned around, and came back. He then backed up to it, hooked it with a tow strap, and pulled it down the road.”
Other neighbors were able to pinpoint where the thief pulled over and loaded the Jersey Devil onto a trailer. He then drove west on Route 72.
Further details provided by Bates-Flynn indicate that the suspect has local relatives. He allegedly was in the area after buying a Jeep and was returning to Ohio.
The stolen statue, measuring approximately six feet in height and crafted by Rocky Mountain Carvers, holds significant sentimental value to Lucille’s Luncheonette. It stood as a landmark in front of the restaurant for six years.
“My mom (Lucille) liked the idea of the Jersey Devil as our theme as she thought its folklore brought the community together,” Bates-Flynn. “My cousin drew a picture (of the Jersey Devil) for her, and we had t-shirts made of them.”
Efforts to replicate the stolen statue are already underway, as the original carver, Rocky Mountain Carvers, has expressed his willingness to recreate the cherished piece. Bates-Flynn has every reason to believe the original wood carving is damaged beyond repair.
The outpouring of support from the local community, including a GoFundMe campaign, underscored the deep sense of unity shared among residents. At the restaurant’s request, the Go-FundMe campaign has been withdrawn. Although Lucille’s appreciates donations offered by patrons, they do not want to accept them.
Instead, Lucille’s is banking on the party responsible for the theft to make restitution after they either enter a guilty plea or are found guilty.
“We don’t want our customers to pay for what someone else did,” Bates-Flynn said.
Although Stafford Police has released the suspect’s name, the public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Look for our follow-up story to learn more about the Jersey Devil and the folklore it brings to the local region.
