For Iowa State University News Releases

9-19-2000

Contacts:
Gene Deisinger, Department of Public Safety, (515) 294-4428
Steve Sullivan, News Service, (515) 294-3720

STUDENT CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH PETERSEN SCULPTURE THEFT

AMES, Iowa -- An Iowa State University student was arrested early Tuesday evening (Sept. 19) in connection with the theft of a portion of the Christian Petersen "Marriage Ring" sculpture.

Department of Public Safety officials charged Nick Ryan Johnson, 22, an ISU senior, with felony criminal mischief and felony theft, both Class C felonies. Johnson will be transported to the Story County Jail.

DPS officers said a follow-up investigation on information they received late Monday led to Johnson's arrest.

The Petersen sculpture, which is in the lobby of MacKay Hall, was a gift to the university from students in the class of 1941. It depicts several children playing around a fountain. On Thursday, Sept. 14, the head of one of the children was removed and stolen.

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