Bronze Memorial Statue Stolen From Rancho Mirage Library

For five years it sat at the library doing its job: a bench for library guests, but more importantly a memorial and reminder for three young girls who lost their father in a plane crash.

That quickly changed when thieves stole the bronze statue and bench during the overnight hours around March 4.

“It was just infuriating,” said Rancho Mirage Library Director David Bryant. “I was gripped by a certain sadness because I thought it was such an egregious theft.”

It wasn’t an easy job. The bench was bolted into the base with 8 heavy duty bolts, said Bryant. It was even spot-welded on one side.

The library didn’t have surveillance cameras pointed in the direction of the memorial bench.

“The family is a victim and so is the community,” Bryant said. “I think they stole a beautiful statue for scrap metal. I don’t think they can sell it any other way.”

Bronze goes for one dollar-a pound in the Coachella Valley. The statue weighs 220 lbs. The memorial piece of art is valued at about $5,000.

In 2006, the Jessup family bought the bronze bench and statue of a boy reading to memorialize Tim Jessup, a local businessman. Jessup died in a plane crash in 2005.

Jessup’s surviving wife and three daughters drive by the Rancho Mirage Library daily, so it was only fitting it would go there. People who knew Jessup described him as a kind businessman, a great friend, father and husband.

Just days after the theft, the library decided to replace the statue. The company who sold the replacement statue is waiving the shipping fee. It should be here by mid-June.

If you know anything about the theft you’re encouraged to the library, sheriff’s department or Valley Crimestoppers at 760-341-STOP. You can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a $1,000 reward.