Sex Crimes and Shooting Dominate this Week's Crimes at Churches
Sex Crimes Lead This Week’s Newsletter… Again
Sex crimes dominate this newsletter this week… and every week actually. This seems to be the #1 problem with American churches and it isn’t going away. Take time this week to review your church’s policies about access to children and vulnerable adults (those in your drug rehabilitation programs, divorce ministries, etc). Ensure that you are following industry standards so that no adult is left alone with children. Make sure you are doing background checks on everyone in your church that volunteers or works there and that those checks recur each year. Have a policy that creates openness to report suspected abuse and create a culture that protects our children and follows the bible.
VIOLENT CRIME
Unruly Teens Cause Chaos at Another Church Festival
In Concord Township, Ohio, multiple police agencies responded to disturbances at the Saint Gabriel Catholic Church Parish Summer Fest, resulting in the arrests of four juveniles. The volatile situation, described by law enforcement as overwhelmed with numerous altercations and unruly crowds, led organizers to close the festival early on Sunday. None of those arrested were parishioners or local residents. Enhanced security measures were implemented for the final day of the festival. This incident follows similar disruptions at other local church festivals in recent years.
I really recommend that you take my course on spotting criminality and trouble. It is free and can help you eject trouble makers before they start their shenanigans (I’ve been waiting to use that word in a newsletter for just the right moment).
Life Sentence for Albuquerque Church Security Guard's Killer
Marc Ward has been sentenced to life in prison for the deliberate murder of Daniel Bourne, a security guard at Calvary Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The incident occurred on September 23, 2022, when Bourne approached Ward's truck, suspecting it was involved in suspicious activity. Ward, a former attendee of the church, ran over Bourne twice and then dragged his body to a nearby arroyo. Ward, who was convicted of first-degree murder in March, will be eligible for parole after thirty years. Despite offering an apology, Ward did not provide a motive for his actions.
Now would be a good time to take my course (for free) on how to contact suspicious vehicles in your parking lot.
Drive-By Shooting Near Opa-locka Church Injures Three Women
A drive-by shooting near a church in Opa-locka, Florida, left three women injured on June 9, 2024. The incident occurred around 1 p.m. near 3300 NW 135th Street. The women were inside a black Suburban and sustained minor injuries from shattered glass when a gray vehicle with dark tints fired shots at their SUV. The Suburban was found with multiple broken windows and bullet holes. The Opa-locka Police Department is investigating the motive and searching for the suspects involved in the shooting.
Suspected Bomb at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church
A suspicious package found at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in Alcorn County, Mississippi, caused significant alarm, leading to an evacuation of nearby homes and the arrival of the Tupelo bomb squad. The package, labeled with a note stating "this could be a bomb," was ultimately determined to contain only trash. Alcorn County Sheriff Ben Caldwell attributed the incident to a suspect experiencing a mental health crisis. The individual is currently being held pending court commitment proceedings.
With the threat of harm against our churches at a high threat level, you must exercise caution. Evacuate the area, including the inside of your building and remove people from harm. Do not transmit on your cell phone or your portable radios and call the police via landline. My agency had a case where a man had worn a body worn IED to court. His plan was to detonate it when he was found guilty. Lucky for everyone in the courtroom, he was found not guilty. On his way home, he had yet to disarm the bomb. A passing CalTrans truck radio transmitted a message as they were passing and detonated the IED and killed the man.
Altercation at Southfield Church During Graduation Ceremony
On June 11, 2024, a mother was arrested for assaulting her ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend with a shoe during an 8th-grade graduation ceremony at Triumph Church in Southfield, Michigan. The incident, initially reported as a possible stabbing, occurred around 11 a.m. and involved a dispute between the two women. The assailant sustained a minor injury and was detained at the Southfield Detention Center pending charges. Police confirmed that no stabbing occurred and that the assault weapon was a shoe.
Man Arrested for Shooting at Andalusia Church Parking Lot
Brayden Jowers has been arrested after admitting to shooting into a vehicle with occupants in the parking lot of First Baptist Church in Andalusia, Alabama. The incident, which occurred Wednesday afternoon, involved a dispute between Jowers and one of the vehicle's occupants. The suspect fired four or five shots, hitting the car twice but not injuring anyone inside. Police later found Jowers, who was charged with shooting into an occupied vehicle, reckless endangerment, and menacing. His bail is set at $220,000.
People will often go to churches when they are fleeing harm. That means that whatever altercation took place on the street is now in your parking lot. It is best to lock the church down and call 911. Deny access to the inside of your church until the police have the situation resolved.
SEX CRIMES
New Mexico Man Sentenced for Child Sexual Abuse Outside Church
Tony Jake Jr., a 75-year-old man from Pine Hill, New Mexico, has been sentenced to four years in prison for sexually abusing a 7-year-old girl outside a church in 2022. Jake, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, admitted to approaching the girl as she played outside the church, separating her from other children, and committing the abuse. He pleaded guilty to one count of abusive sexual contact and will serve five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender upon his release.
Harrisburg LDS Church Leader Won’t Face Failure to Report Abuse Charge
The Dauphin County District Attorney’s office has withdrawn charges against Rhett Hintze, a Harrisburg LDS church leader, who was accused of failing to report child sex assault allegations. The decision followed requests from the now-adult victims and their families, who did not want the prosecution to proceed. Hintze, with no prior criminal history, was initially alleged to have known about the abuse by Shawn Cory Gooden, another church leader, but did not report it to authorities as the victim requested confidentiality. Training on abuse reporting is being coordinated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It is wrong to know about abuse and not report it. I don’t understand why church leaders keep quiet. Don’t be that person.
"Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." (Ephesians 5:11, ESV)
Additional Charges for Church Leader at Mark Barclay’s Michigan Church
Randy Saylor, a pastor at Living Word International Church in Midland, Michigan, faces three new charges of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, adding to his previous two charges. The latest charges involve a minor and a relative, according to Midland County Circuit Court records. Saylor, who has pleaded not guilty, has been suspended from his duties at the church pending investigation. This development marks the third church leader under televangelist Mark Barclay to face sex crime charges in recent months, highlighting ongoing legal troubles within the church.
Suspending the pastor is fine, but you may want to do an in depth investigation and dismiss him If you find the allegations are true. You should also do an internal investigation to find out if there was impropriety at the church. Where there is one victim there are many.
Virginia Beach Pastor Removed After Abuse Investigation
The Catholic Diocese of Richmond has removed Father Rob Cole from his position as pastor of St. John the Apostle Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia, following an investigation into sexual abuse allegations at the church's school. The investigation, initiated in May, focused on abuse committed by a now-deceased adult against students and examined whether diocesan policies were adequately followed. Bishop Knestout announced the decision on June 12, 2024, emphasizing the need for new leadership despite recognizing Cole's 15 years of service. Until a new pastor is appointed, Very Reverend Esteban De Leon will temporarily administer the parish.
Man Arrested for Lewd Act at Westbury Church
A man was arrested for committing a lewd act at the Church of the Advent in Westbury, New York. The incident occurred on Thursday when the suspect was observed by a 58-year-old man in the back of the church, exposing and touching himself inappropriately. Police were called and the suspect, Neil Nembhard, was subsequently arrested and charged with public lewdness.
Crimes like this are rampant among the mentally ill homeless that many churches work with. The best approach to deal with this situation is to evacuate nearby people, call the police, and let them arrest him. He may not be doing it anymore when they show up and they can only make an arrest (since this is a misdemeanor) if it is committed in their presence. They can only arrest for felonies not in their presence. So you may need to do a citizen’s arrest. That just means you sign a form saying you want them arrested for the crime you saw. You don’t make the actual arrest.
Indiana Youth Pastor Arrested for Child Solicitation and Misconduct
Bryan Crabtree, a youth pastor at Sulphur Springs Christian Church and a substitute teacher and coach with the Shenandoah School Corporation in Henry County, Indiana, has been arrested on several charges related to inappropriate conduct with minors. Following reports of misconduct, detectives charged Crabtree with sexual misconduct with a minor and three counts of child solicitation. The church terminated his employment immediately after his arrest, and the school district has been informed. The investigation is ongoing, with additional charges expected.
If there is one victim there is 10. You need to immediately see if you have victims at your church. He is obviously placing himself in positions to victimize children. Start an internal investigation and see where it leads. Be very open and transparent with your congregation.
Former Franklin Pastor Indicted on Additional Sex Crimes Charges
Juan Carlos Garcia Mendoza, a former associate pastor at St. Philip Catholic Church in Franklin, Tennessee, has been indicted on two additional counts of sexual battery. Initially charged in February, the 31-year-old now faces multiple charges, including continuous sexual abuse of a child, aggravated sexual battery, and several counts of sexual battery by an authority figure. The alleged incidents occurred between July 2022 and December 2023, involving five victims, four of whom were minors aged 11 to 16. Mendoza, who was ordained in 2020, remains in jail on a $2 million bond.
ARSON
Arson Investigation at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Maplewood
Authorities in Maplewood, Minnesota, are investigating an arson incident at St. Jerome Catholic Church that occurred early Sunday morning. Police received a report of a burglary and a triggered fire alarm at the church on Roselawn Avenue East around 12:40 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered forced entry, with an American flag and a keyboard in the basement set on fire. Although there were no injuries, the fire caused tens of thousands of dollars in smoke and water damage. The incident is being treated as isolated, and local police are collaborating with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in the investigation.
An unfortunate incident, but win one for a church with a fire alarm and burglar alarm. Each week I let you know you need one. Although there is a lot of damage, it can be fixed quickly. Good job St. Jerome Catholic Church!
St. Anne’s Anglican Church in Toronto Destroyed by Fire
The historic St. Anne’s Anglican Church in Toronto, Canada, was destroyed by fire over the weekend, marking another incident in a series of over 100 attacks on Canadian churches since 2021. The fire obliterated numerous priceless depictions of the life of Christ, although the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The recent surge in violence against Christian churches in Canada began following unsubstantiated reports of mass graves of Indigenous children at former Christian-run residential schools. The destruction of these churches, many of which have served native communities for generations, continues to raise concerns about targeted violence and the broader social implications.
PROPERTY CRIME
Texas Pastor Sentenced to 35 Years for Stealing Churches
A Texas pastor, Whitney Foster, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for stealing three churches valued at over $800,000 through fraudulent property deeds. Foster, the pastor of True Foundation nondenominational church in Dallas, was found guilty of filing fake deeds listing false church officials and naming his church as the grantee. The churches affected were First Christian Church in Lancaster, Canada Drive Christian Church, and Church at Ninevah. Foster's criminal history includes convictions for identity theft and arson. The case highlights the severe impact of real estate theft on communities and the legal repercussions of such actions.
PROPERTY CRIME
Pastor Claims Hate Crime in Vandalism Incident at South Dakota Church
The Mitchell Congregational United Church of Christ in Mitchell, South Dakota, which openly supports LGBTQ rights and celebrates Pride Month, was vandalized between June 6 and June 7, 2024. The vandal spray-painted "Repent" and "Leviticus 18:22," a Bible verse condemning homosexuality, on various parts of the church. Pastor Matt Richards labeled the incident a "hate crime," citing the church's unique position in the community as the only one flying rainbow Pride flags. Additionally, a rainbow-colored display outside the church was dismantled but later restored by church members. The Mitchell Police are investigating, but no suspects have been apprehended yet.
The vandal may have been right, but he wasn’t right in vandalizing the church. Each week, I see acts of vandalism against churches flying pride flags. We should work with these churches to repent, not vandalize their buildings. If you are a church flying pride flags, fully expect that you are going to have a higher threat of property crime, or even violent crime, at your church.
To the people that are vandalizing these churches: If the Apostle Paul had encountered a church like Mitchell Congregational United Church of Christ, he would have addressed his concerns through a heartfelt letter, emphasizing the importance of adhering to biblical teachings. Instead of resorting to acts of vandalism, Paul would have sought to guide the church with love and truth, encouraging repentance and spiritual growth through compassionate dialogue and scriptural counsel.
Thief Steals Gas from South Carolina Church Bus
A thief stole gas from a church bus at a church in South Carolina, prompting the pastor to extend an invitation to the thief to attend a Sunday service.
Vandalism at St. Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn
On June 10, 2024, a 30-year-old man was arrested for vandalizing religious statues and property at St. Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York. The suspect, identified as Randy Maldonado Avila, allegedly used a hammer to destroy statues of Mother Teresa and Pope John XXIII, causing significant damage to their faces and hands. He also broke the church's glass doors and continued his rampage by smashing a pedestrian walk sign and two MTA bus shelters. Maldonado Avila was apprehended and charged with multiple counts of criminal mischief and criminal possession of a weapon. The church reported no physical injuries during the incident and expressed sorrow over the senseless act of violence.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES
Protestant Christians in Turkey Facing Violence and Attacks
Protestant Christians in Turkey are experiencing increased violence and hostility, including incidents during worship services, according to the Human Rights Violation Report 2023 by the Association of Protestant Churches. The report highlights various forms of persecution, including hate speech, physical attacks, and legal challenges in training ministry leaders. Incidents include assaults on pastors, threats of arson, and vandalism of church properties. Additionally, many foreign church leaders faced deportation or denial of entry, exacerbating the difficulties for local congregations. Despite these challenges, efforts to provide religious services and aid continue under adverse conditions.
Priest’s Murder in Colombia Shocks Catholic, Civic Communities
Father Ramon Montejo, a Catholic priest in Ocaña, Colombia, was brutally murdered on June 4, 2024, in an incident initially believed to be a robbery but later suspected to have a personal motive. Montejo was attacked by two men, both Venezuelan nationals, who stabbed him and ran him over with his own truck. The suspects were arrested the same day. Montejo, known for his humanitarian efforts and peacebuilding in a violence-prone region, was mourned by his community, with leaders calling his murder an attack on peace and urging continued efforts towards reconciliation.
I wouldn’t have thought of not using a cell phone in that one instance.
As an aside, if we could stone pedophile pastors it would send a message.
Keith, I had the opportunity to discuss "mandatory reporting" with a current FBI agent. He stated that confidentiality between clergy and congregants are held in the highest order and clergy cannot be compelled or required to report. I don't know the "legality" of that but I do know the immorality of that statement.