A man was arrested Tuesday for allegedly stealing a Sefer Torah on Sunday morning from Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Torah, which is valued at about $30,000, was on display at the medical center and its theft was captured on surveillance camera.

David James Macon, 27, was arrested on Tuesday after he was stopped by hospital security personnel who had recognized him from security video. Macon was allegedly wearing the same clothes he wore the night of the theft, his arrest citation states.

On Wednesday, Jewish Hospital officials released a statement saying they were “grateful to the individuals who found and recovered our Torah.”

“It was secured, but intentionally kept in a public area to be in the presence of our patients, employees and all that we serve. It is unfortunate that anyone would tamper with such a sacred document.

An early assessment of the Torah, indicates minimal damage. We continue to cooperate with Louisville Metro Police on the investigation,” the statement said.

(Nat Golden – YWN)