LOGAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office and Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker are offering a combined $5,000 reward for tips that lead to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the vandalism at the historic Logan Junior High School.
The damage reportedly occurred sometime between Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon, according to a post from the Logan Junior High Community Center on Facebook. The organization said law enforcement had been contacted and a police report had been filed.
Sheriff Matt Gentry said the vandalism and destruction of the historic school building is “repulsive.”
“We are shocked and beyond words of why anyone would choose to carry out such vandalism,” Gentry said. “There have been several social media accounts that have posted pictures from inside and outside the school which show the extent of the damage.”
Gentry and Crocker announced Monday, June 22, they are jointly offering a total reward of $5,000 for tips that lead to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the case.
“I encourage anyone with any tips on this case to call the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office immediately,” Gentry said. “We take this level of vandalism to property very seriously and we will work all leads and tips until there is a successful conclusion to this case.”
Crocker said anyone who played a role in the vandalism should turn themselves in to the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office.
“If they don’t turn themselves in, I am confident with this amount of reward money being offered someone will come forward with a tip that leads to an arrest or multiple arrests,” Crocker said. “I look forward to prosecuting them when that happens.”
The Logan Junior High Community Center, in a Facebook post, described the damage as devastating for those who have worked to preserve and use the former school building for the community.
“I really don’t have the words,” the post stated.
The post said volunteers had spent weeks working and cleaning before the Bluegrass Jamfest held last month.
“We spent weeks working and cleaning before our Bluegrass Jamfest last month and now this,” the post stated. “The law has been called and a police report made. If you know who did this please report them. Please share this so that we can get the word out so they can be caught.”
The post also said additional photos had been added, including an image of what the community center described as “a machete that appears to have been used to cause some of the damage.” Authorities had not publicly confirmed details about any specific item used in the vandalism as of Monday.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office at 256-734-0342.
Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the CCSO’s tip options, including the Secret Witness number at 256-734-0210 or the Nixle Anonymous Tip link.
