By Associated Press
Hillsboro AL – A former curator for Pond Spring, the historic home of Gen. Joe Wheeler in Hillsboro, and the curator's great aunt have been arrested and charged with theft of artifacts.
In a statement Thursday, Attorney General Troy King said Myers Brown of Old Hickory, Tenn., and Dora Palmer, who lives near Franklin, Tenn., were taken to the Lawrence County Jail on theft charges related to a transaction involving a Spanish American War uniform and medal.
Both were released on bond.
A county grand jury indicted the two on Aug. 14. The indictments charge each of them with one count of first-degree theft of more than $2,500 from the state of Alabama, and one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree theft.
While working for the Alabama Historical Commission, Brown allegedly used his position to have $5,000 in state funds sent to Palmer for the uniform and medal.
No other details about the investigation were released.
If convicted, the defendants face maximum penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.