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Two arrested re: stolen statue in Rhode Island

TIVERTON, R.I. (AP) – Tiverton police say they have arrested two men in connection with the theft of a 300-pound bronze statue, but the sculpture itself remains missing.

Lt. Patrick Jones says 31-year-old James Macnaught of Tiverton, and 29-year-old Robert Coelho of Fall River, Mass. were arrested Wednesday after police received a tip from a neighbor who said he saw the suspects cutting the statue into pieces. They are charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

Police say Macnaught told them he intended to sell the statue as scrap, but dumped the pieces in Fall River when he feared he might get caught. Searches have so far failed to find it.

Embrace of Life II, a woman with arms outstretched, face to the sky, was outside the Four Corners Art Center.

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AP-ES-03-12-10 0705EST