MORNING NEWSBREAK | A former College of Charleston paleontologist and his wife on Tuesday surrendered to authorities in connection to the alleged theft of $8,634 of rare fossils from the school’s Mace Brown Museum of Natural History.
Paleontologist Robert Boessenecker, 38, and his wife, Sarah Michalies, 37, surrendered to campus police March 26. He faces a charge of grand larceny while Michalies, who served as the museum’s collection manager, is charged with breach of trust, according to reports.
Both later were released on bail. Boessenecker has denied the theft allegations and looks forward to clearing his name, his attorney told reporters. The attorney maintained all of the recovered items were “in his rightful possession” and that the allegations against him are false, stemming from “personal animosities and hidden agendas,” according to published reports.
Campus police launched an investigation early March after a rare dolphin jaw was reportedly missing from the museum. Investigators later searched three locations connected to the couple and recovered more than 60 items said to belong to the museum.
In other recent news:
CP NEWS: What would happen if Charleston had a bridge accident? Charleston area officials say they’re about as prepared as they can get for the kind of unexpected accident that happened early today in Baltimore when a powerless cargo ship drifted and slammed into Francis Scott Key Bridge. Officials say they work together to move freight safely — and to have flexible contingency plans in case something happens.
CP NEWS: Candidate filings expand as deadline to file approaches. Local, state and other political races are getting more crowded every day as candidates file to run for office with the State Election Commission. The deadline for filing is noon April 1.
Don Holt Bridge to be replaced. The S.C. Department of Transportation has decided to replace the Don Holt Bridge over the Cooper River with a wider and taller one as part of an Interstate 526 widening project that will aid the State Ports Authority.
Popular Charleston vegan restaurant to close permanently. Neon Tiger, which specializes in vegan variations of Philly cheesesteaks, crab cakes, pizzas and more, will serve its last customers on March 30, just under four years after opening at 654 King St. in Charleston.
Charleston man falsely accused in Drexel case sues federal government. A man who claims he lost his livelihood after being accused of kidnapping and murdering a New York teenager in South Carolina is suing the federal government.
CSU inaugurates first alumnus as president. B. Keith Faulkner was inaugurated on Monday at a service in Lightsey Chapel, becoming the first Charleston Southern alumnus to serve as CSU President.
Conversations emerge about controversial Johns Island school name. A Charleston County School’s naming decision brought heated conversation and frustrations after debate left some unhappy with the final decision. The school board voted Monday night to name the new school Johns Island Elementary School instead of Esau Jenkins Elementary School.
Residents, local leaders address homelessness in Charleston. Leaders are working to meet the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and make the communities safer for all residents. Meanwhile, residents are calling for more outreach for individuals experiencing homelessness.
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