Thefts hamper Selma’s butterfly project

Published 10:50 am Thursday, October 16, 2008

SELMA (AP) – Selma police have arrested two women on theft charges in the case of a missing butterfly statue that was painted by elementary school students and later found destroyed.

Police Chief William Riley III said Jennifer Nicole Moore, of Selma, and Porsha Nix, of Bessemer, both 20, were charged with theft of property second-degree felony and released from jail on $15,000 bond Wednesday.

If convicted, they could face from one to 10 years in jail. It was not immediately known if they have attorneys.

Dallas County Arts Alliance president Steve Grossman reported the thefts. He said a second stolen butterfly statue hasn’t been found.

The statues were part of a civic project that enlisted 30 artists to paint 40 statues to be placed around Selma.