Case of Missing Baby Jesus is Solved

Five local teenagers have been charged with criminal mischief after stealing a baby Jesus from the nativity scene at a Fifteenth Street residence during a scavenger hunt.

Earlier this month, an Oakmont resident asked that the baby Jesus from the nativity scene be returned.

After reading the on the Plum-Oakmont Patch, a anonymous tip came in from someone who said teenagers were talking about the incident on social networking sites.

 Chief David DiSanti said that the homeowner last week reported that a suspicious car showed up at the residence. The person in the car threw the baby Jesus out the window—it shattered—and drove away. The homeowner took down the license plate number of the vehicle.

DiSanti said both tips were crucial in the investigation, and helped all the pieces fall together.

"The most important tips came from the offenders, themselves," he said. "They were talking about it on the Internet and to their friends.

"They got caught because they were bragging about it. They were their own worst enemy."

Apparently, he said, the teenagers—ages 15 to 18—were participating in a scavenger hunt in which baby Jesus was one of the items to take.

DiSanti said this isn't the first time the religious relic has been stolen.

"The homeowner never filed a formal report because he didn't want to bother anyone, but this was a serious situation," DiSanti said. "People took a religious relic from a good, sound person who puts up something nice for the community. He has been having to replace it year after year.

"A lot of people were very upset about it."

DiSanti said he hopes restitution will be paid to the homeowner for the property damage.

"Anyone participating in these scavenger hunts should assess what is put on the lists," he said. "Respect and reverence for people's property needs to be taught."

DiSanti said the public has been crucial in helping the police department with incidents like this.

"Good, conscientious people have been coming forward with very valuable information for us," he said. "I wish this stuff wouldn't happen, but it's good to know the community cares."