LIVERMORE FALLS – An 8-foot wooden cross that was stolen from a church lawn was returned by police Monday – without the photo of convicted murderer Charles Manson that allegedly had been taped to it when it was found in a Jay apartment.

The cross was stolen April 6 from the lawn of Eaton Memorial United Methodist Church and recovered early Saturday.

Carl Harrington, 21, of Jay was charged with theft of the cross, which police said was hanging sideways in his apartment and was being used as a bookshelf.

Manson’s picture was taped on the cross, Police Chief Ernest Steward Jr. said, and a satanic book was resting on it.

Police took pictures, the chief said, and will forward the case to the state Attorney General’s Office for review as a possible hate crime.

Four people were charged with theft of the shroud: Harrington, his brother Brian Harrington, 19, of Livermore, Misty Duval, 18, of Livermore Falls and a 16-year-old Livermore Falls girl.