Yonkers cops recover crucifix stolen in 2014

YONKERS - Police had faith they would solve this case, and after two years of searching, they found the last piece of the puzzle.

Detectives have recovered a crucifix on Tuesday that was stolen from the Church of the Sacred Heart during a burglary on Oct. 14, 2014. The crucifix, which Police Commissioner Charles Gardner said was one of the largest and most symbolic, was the last piece to be found of seven that were stolen.

Gardner and other officers returned it to the church at 110 Shonnard Place this afternoon. The Rev. Maurice Moreau accepted the crucifix, saying he was grateful for the police's hard work.

THEFT: Crucifix stolen from Yonkers church

The large crucifix — stretching 4 feet by 2 feet and weighing approximately 80 pounds — was stolen with six ceremonial chalices when an as-yet unidentified suspect smashed at least two stained-glass windows and damaged a door to break into the church two years ago.

Detectives recovered the crucifix after a lengthy investigation that included multiple interviews, police said. Gardner said police have identified a suspect, but did not release an identity or detail how the item was found citing an ongoing criminal investigation.

“I’m not going to go into details because there are still some aspects of it that are active," he said, "but I can tell you that, as a result of a briefing, we were able to learn where the item was.”

Gardner said other stolen items were found in the trash by a local citizen who then reported them to police. He said he believed that as the investigation created more pressure for the suspect the stolen items began to turn up. He said he did not know why they were taken.

To prevent a burglary from happening again, Moreau said there are now continuously running cameras in the church. Two enclosures previously made out of wood on the side of the church have been changed to glass to allow more visibility.

Moreau said the crucifix, a major symbol for the church, had been on the high altar since 1937.

For Gardner, returning the crucifix had special significance.

"As an alumni of the Church of Sacred Heart, the church and the school holds a special place in my heart," he said. "I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to return this crucifix to its home here."

Twitter: @MattSpillane