Hammond, Indiana – A brazen act of theft culminated in a 24-month federal prison sentence for Kenneth Morrison, convicted of stealing and selling parts of the historic Monon Bridge. Morrison, 53, was sentenced on September 5, 2019, after being found guilty of interstate transportation of stolen property, a violation of Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 2314.
The Monon Bridge, which once spanned the Grand Calumet River, was dismantled piece by piece by Morrison, who then transported the stolen metal across state lines for personal financial gain. Court documents detailed a calculated scheme to profit from the bridge’s metallic components, effectively stripping a local landmark for scrap value. The dismantling occurred over a period of time, initially drawing concern from local residents who reported suspicious activity around the abandoned bridge structure.
Federal prosecutors argued that Morrison’s actions weren’t simply theft, but a deliberate act of vandalism against a potentially historic structure. The bridge was eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, a designation which significantly enhanced Morrison’s sentencing. The National Register status highlights the bridge’s cultural and historical importance, and the intentional destruction of such a landmark carries increased penalties under federal law.
Investigation and Prosecution
The investigation, led by federal authorities, quickly determined the stolen metal was being sold to scrap metal dealers outside of Indiana. Evidence presented at trial included surveillance footage, sales receipts, and witness testimony linking Morrison directly to the dismantling and transportation of the bridge components. The investigation highlighted the growing problem of metal theft impacting infrastructure across the nation.
Sentencing and Restitution
In addition to the 24-month imprisonment, Morrison was sentenced to two years of supervised release following his incarceration. Judge Robert Miller also ordered Morrison to pay over $54,000 in restitution to the City of Hammond to cover the costs associated with the bridge’s removal and potential future reconstruction. The restitution order aims to alleviate the financial burden placed on the city due to Morrison’s criminal activity.
Legal Ramifications
Morrison was convicted under 18 U.S.C. 2314, which prohibits the knowing transportation of stolen property across state lines. This federal statute carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Due to the historical significance of the bridge, the sentencing guidelines were adjusted upwards, resulting in the 24-month sentence and substantial restitution order. This case serves as a stark warning that the theft and destruction of historical or infrastructural assets will be aggressively prosecuted at the federal level.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Kenneth Morrison
- Crime: Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property (Bridge Theft)
- Location: Hammond, Indiana
- Year: 2019
- Statute Violated: 18 U.S.C. 2314
- Sentence: 24 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release
- Restitution: $54,000+ to the City of Hammond
- Victim: City of Hammond/Monon Bridge
- Bridge was eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, enhancing penalties.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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