A 42-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the theft of a bell from the Royal Oak Presbyterian Church, located at 8785 E Royal Oak Church Road. The theft was discovered on February 6, 2025, when deputies responded to the church and found that the bell had been stolen. Investigators photographed the scene and collected evidence.
On February 10, 2025, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office in Illinois notified local authorities about a large brass bell that had been sold to a recycling company in their county. Weighing 345 pounds, the bell was cut into pieces and sold for $724.50. Following further investigation, authorities identified Travis Allen Heath of Vincennes as the suspect.
Heath was initially uncooperative during questioning. As a result, a warrant for his arrest was issued. On February 25, 2025, around 6:00 PM, deputies served the warrant, and Heath was taken into custody. He was transported to the Knox County Jail and booked on charges of theft with a prior conviction, a Level 6 felony, and criminal mischief, a Level 6 felony. Heath was later released after posting 10% of his $5,000 bond.
