Millerton woman charged with stealing ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Hobbit’ props

Brenda McKay, 49, of David Road in Millerton, was arrested on Wednesday, May 29, by the New York State Police for alleged theft.According to the police, McKay allegedly stole “highly valuable personal property and original movie memorabilia.”The memorabilia was from the motion picture series, “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.”According to a press release, “among the property stolen were two of the original swords from the movies, the value of which is estimated at $150,000 for each sword.”The items were stolen from a storage facility in eastern Dutchess County, though authorities would not specify the location of the facility.Other items, which are currently being authenticated, would increase the total value of the stolen property to $500,000 or more, according to the police.McKay was charged with burglary in the third degree, and more charges are anticipated by the New York State Police once a final estimate of the reported theft is tallied.McKay was arraigned in the town of Dover Court by Judge Abrams and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.