A man has been sentenced to the maximum 11 months and 29 days in the workhouse for removing brass name plates from the Walnut Street Bridge.
At the time of his arrest, Luke H. Stafford of 100 Walnut St. had a crack pipe in his pocket, officials said.
The brass plates were valued at $450.
According to Assistant District Attorney General Ben Boyer, the plates contained the names of people who contributed toward refurbishing the bridge, or the names of people honored by contributors.
Chattanooga Police Officer Keith Jennings said, “About half of the brass plates have been stolen. We have a real problem around the bridge and Coolidge Park.”
Stafford gave a Walnut Street Bridge address as his home and is listed as homeless in the arrest warrant.
General Sessions Court Judge Bob Moon said, “Offenses against public property, and particularly landmarks and artwork, are offenses against all of our citizens. I have the utmost sympathy and concern for disabled and elderly citizens who truly cannot work and help themselves.
"It appears that a great number of defendants who are drug-addicted and commit crimes profess to be homeless; however, many appear to be in apparent good health. Many of them have learned to work the welfare system and to take advantage of the many good-hearted and good-intended citizens and programs in this county.
"In the final analysis, many of these defendants who prey on working people and businesses are just too lazy to work. Again, there are some sympathetic and truly unfortunate human tragedies that need our help and deserve it. Perhaps it is time that government and citizens redefine the word ‘homeless.’”
Stafford was convicted last year for attempting to steal a medal pole from Market Street and criminal trespassing. Judge Moon ordered the 11 months and 29 day sentence and
30-day sentence into execution immediately and concurrently with the new charge.
The judge said, “The thought of throwing up our hands and closing Coolidge Park at night is repulsive. The park, bridge, and the North Shore are some of the dimples of this city. Law and order should prevail there for the enjoyment of our citizens and tourists for which these wonderful places were established.”