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Two suspects from Cedar Springs solider memorial theft plead guilty

Posted at 9:20 PM, Dec 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-15 21:25:33-05
Deputy holding memorial items after theft. Courtesy image.

Deputy holding memorial items after theft. Courtesy image.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Two of the three men suspected of stealing items from a soldier’s memorial in Cedar Springs made a plea deal admitting they were involved.

David Sommerville (left) and Justin Rossman (right). Courtesy Kent County jail.

David Sommerville (left) and Justin Rossman (right). Courtesy Kent County jail.

The Kent County Prosecutor’s office says that 28-year-old Justin Rossman and 17-year-old David Sommerville both plead guilty guilty to breaking and entering and receiving and concealing stolen property. In exchange for the plea, a habitual offender charge against Rossman is being dropped.

In October, a statue dedicated to Timothy Brown – a Cedar Springs man who died serving in the Army in 2005 – was vandalized, leaving only the boots behind.

Nearby, surveillance video from a concession stand shows three men rummaging through. They were arrested a few days later and the stolen items were recovered.

Tracy Coleman, courtesy Kent County jail.

Tracy Coleman, courtesy Kent County jail.

The third suspect – Tracy Coleman, 45 – did not plea and is scheduled to stand trial.