Church Crime News for 4/27/2024
In this edition
Church Security Threat Level Has Been Raised
The threat level has been raised to Orange (high risk of attack).
Violent Crime
15 Year Old Boy Shot Dead in Church Bathroom
Series of Church Armed Robberies in Southern Maine Leads to Arrest
Stabbing Incident Outside Sts. Peter and Paul Church, San Francisco
Robbery at Truevine Missionary Baptist Church, Mobile
Arson Incident at Gloucester County Church
Sexual Assaults
Sexual Abuse Allegations Intensify Against Gainesville Church Leader
Louisiana State Police Seize Clergy Sex Abuse Records from Archdiocese of New Orleans
Fourth Arrest in Child Sex Abuse Case Linked to Salisbury Church
Former Harrisburg Church Leader Charged with Child Molestation at McDonald's
Property Crime
House of Prayer Churches Allegedly Impede Federal Fraud Investigation
Vehicle Theft at Whole Man Ministries in Winston-Salem
Vandalism Incident at Northshore Jewish Congregation, Mandeville
Hate Crime Investigation at Saint Alban’s Episcopal Church, Glen Burnie
Story Updates
Arrest of Seven Teenagers Following Stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari in Australia
International
Priest and Community Members Targeted in Shooting in Peixoto de Azevedo, Brazil
Sectarian Violence Erupts in Minya, Egypt
Escalating Attacks on Christians in India
Church Security Threat Level Has Been Raised
The threat level has been raised to Orange (high risk of attack). To see the article about why it was raised, please look at the link below. Understand that we may be here, at orange, for a while. Please do not close your church, stand out front with an AR-15 (seriously, people have done that) or do anything to make good people from coming to worship. Instead, but an enhanced greater with a smile on your face welcoming everyone, but have a plan to stop problems if they occur.
VIOLENT CRIME
15 Year Old Boy Shot Dead in Church Bathroom
In Sebring, Florida, a tragic incident unfolded at Bountiful Blessings Church where a 15-year-old boy was fatally shot following an argument inside the church's bathroom. The dispute, which occurred on Friday evening, was reportedly related to drugs. Sebring Police Department responded to the incident around 6:40 p.m. and subsequently arrested a 17-year-old boy, believed to be the shooter. The victim was urgently transported to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa but succumbed to his injuries. The 17-year-old has been charged with homicide and possession of a firearm as a minor. The police are actively investigating the case and have called on the public to assist by providing any further information.
I did a video on this incident earlier in the week. Watch the video for my tips about dealing with certain populations visiting your church.
Series of Church Armed Robberies in Southern Maine Leads to Arrest
Connor McGlone, 27, from Auburn, was arrested following a series of alleged robberies at churches in southern Maine. The incidents, which included threats and theft, began on Sunday morning in Parsonsfield, where McGlone allegedly threatened a woman in a church parking lot. He then reportedly committed additional robberies in Cornish and Baldwin, including pulling a gun on a man and stealing from an offering plate. The situation escalated into a high-speed chase involving multiple law enforcement agencies, during which McGlone was seen waving a firearm and swerving at other vehicles. The pursuit ended when State Police Sgt. Daniel Hanson forced McGlone's vehicle off the road. McGlone, who had outstanding warrants, was arrested and taken to Bridgton Hospital for evaluation before being moved to York County Jail. He faces multiple charges, with further charges expected.
Stabbing Incident Outside Sts. Peter and Paul Church, San Francisco
On April 21, 2024, a disturbing incident unfolded outside Sts. Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco, where a Catholic parishioner was stabbed in the leg following an altercation. The incident occurred during a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, which was disrupted by a homeless man who later became involved in a scuffle outside the church. The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Marko Asaulyuk, was charged with attempted murder and multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon. Thankfully, the victim's injuries were non-life-threatening, and he was quickly released from the hospital.
It’s easy to say, '‘It’s San Francisco.” However, if you work with the homeless population, you are dealing with drug addiction and mental health issues like I’ve never seen. You absolutely need to pay attention to pre-attack indicators and pay attention. Also, traditional de-escalation may not work due to their issues. Remember, it takes two to de-escalate. If the other person doesn’t want to take it down a notch, you need to disengage and call the police.
Robbery at Truevine Missionary Baptist Church, Mobile
A distressing incident of robbery occurred at Truevine Missionary Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama, on the afternoon of Thursday, April 25, 2024. A church lawn worker was assaulted and robbed by two individuals, resulting in the victim sustaining serious injuries. The attack, described by witnesses as particularly violent, involved the worker being punched repeatedly and left with facial injuries. The assailants managed to steal $100 before fleeing the scene. Pastor Sandy McQueen expressed deep concern over the violence and mentioned plans to enhance security measures at the church. Mobile Police are currently investigating the incident, with surveillance footage available to assist in identifying the perpetrators.
It’s important to train your church employees about situation awareness. I wrote about this here. Give it to your employees, let them know the alert level, and help them pay attention to their surroundings. Many times you can see danger coming and can avoid it by leaving the area.
Arson Incident at Gloucester County Church
In West Deptford, Gloucester County, a 44-year-old man has been charged with arson following a church fire that resulted in injuries to a firefighter. The incident, which has led to further charges beyond arson, occurred on the evening of April 20, 2024.
SEXUAL ASSAULTS
Sexual Abuse Allegations Intensify Against Gainesville Church Leader
In Gainesville, Florida, another former member of the Christian Coalition Family Church has come forward with allegations of sexual assault against the church's founder, Lorenzo Lee Crawford, who refers to himself as the "Apostle." Crawford, 55, has been in custody since May 23, 2023, following a SWAT raid at the church's location. He faces multiple charges, including 11 counts of sexual battery and an additional count of felony battery. The recent complaint details Crawford's alleged manipulation tactics, such as instilling fear of divine punishment and using sleep deprivation, to control the victim, who had been a member for about a decade. The victim, who sought marriage counseling from Crawford, was told that sexual relations with him could heal her from past sexual trauma and help her marital relationship. This case adds to the troubling accusations against Crawford, who reportedly exploited his position to prey on church members under the guise of spiritual guidance.
Louisiana State Police Seize Clergy Sex Abuse Records from Archdiocese of New Orleans
On April 25, 2024, Louisiana State Police executed a search warrant at the headquarters of the Archdiocese of New Orleans to obtain all records related to decades-long clergy sex abuse cases. This unprecedented move is part of an ongoing criminal investigation involving former priest Lawrence Hecker, who is charged with kidnapping and rape. The search, conducted by the Special Victims Unit, aims to uncover extensive documentation, going beyond Hecker to potentially include every priest and deacon accused of abuse in the archdiocese. The Archdiocese has stated its cooperation with the investigation, despite potential complications from a 2020 bankruptcy filing that protected certain documents.
If police serve a search warrant at your church related to anything, remember it is an order signed by a judge. Do not interfere and help the police with whatever they are looking for. What they are looking for is on the search warrant, which they will provide you a copy of. If you have issue with anything, the place to bring it up is in court and not while the search warrant is being executed.
I have no doubt that the officers will feel as uncomfortable as you are. I had to arrest a pastor once. It was uncomfortable for both of us, but he did good by being cooperative and reassuring.
Fourth Arrest in Child Sex Abuse Case Linked to Salisbury Church
A fourth individual, Frederick Lewis Montgomery, age 51, has been indicted on multiple charges relating to a child sex abuse case associated with New Dimensions Ministries in Salisbury, Maryland. The allegations, covering events from 1986 to 1994, include child abuse, sex offenses, and assault. Montgomery, who was arrested on April 23, 2024, is reportedly connected to the ongoing investigation into members of New Dimensions, where two other suspects face over twenty charges, and another, Alonzo Leon Parker, Jr., is accused of 100 offenses. The case, which is seen as potentially institutional in its nature, involves suspects who had regular access to minors through their roles within the church. Local authorities, led by Wicomico County State’s Attorney Jamie Dykes, continue to search for additional victims and suspects.
Former Harrisburg Church Leader Charged with Child Molestation at McDonald's
Roy Andrews, a 76-year-old former church youth leader from Mechanicsburg, has been charged with multiple counts of child molestation following an incident at a McDonald's in Cumberland County. On April 7, 2024, witnesses at the restaurant observed Andrews engaging in inappropriate behavior with a 9-year-old girl, prompting them to alert the management who called the police. Andrews, who had led the youth group at the now-closed Iglesia La Fuente in Harrisburg, reportedly took the children to church, provided meals, and had them at his home on the day of the incident. Despite denying the accusations, surveillance footage confirmed the inappropriate actions, which led to his arrest. Andrews is currently held on $60,000 bail with a preliminary hearing set for May 2. Police are investigating the possibility of other victims and urge anyone with information to come forward.
PROPERTY CRIME
House of Prayer Churches Allegedly Impede Federal Fraud Investigation
House of Prayer churches in Hinesville and Hephzibah are reportedly obstructing a federal investigation into allegations of defrauding veterans, according to recent court documents. This inquiry, initiated by an FBI raid in June 2022, involves accusations that the church seminary submitted fraudulent claims to the VA for veterans' education and housing benefits. Prosecutors are now seeking to have several churches held in contempt and fined, arguing that the Fifth Amendment rights claimed by the church do not apply to corporations. The situation remains tense as legal proceedings continue, highlighting serious allegations of misuse of federal funds intended to support veterans.
Vehicle Theft at Whole Man Ministries in Winston-Salem
In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a shocking incident occurred when a car was stolen in broad daylight from the parking lot of Whole Man Ministries. The theft, captured on security cameras, happened swiftly as a man with a wrecker towed away a white 2015 Chevrolet Equinox in just 45 seconds. The vehicle, recently purchased by the church's bishop, Barry Washington, and his wife, pastor Camilla Washington, was intended for church activities. The incident, which took place around 11:50 a.m. on April 18, has left the church leaders both shocked and disheartened, especially given the sanctity of the location. The Winston-Salem Police Department is currently investigating the theft, which is part of a broader trend in the area with 251 vehicle theft reports this year.
They are stealing cars and breaking into them while you are in church because you are tied up for an hour. All problems will start in the parking lot and you should make sure that is where you have someone at all times.
Vandalism Incident at Northshore Jewish Congregation, Mandeville
On April 16, 2024, an act of vandalism occurred at the Northshore Jewish Congregation in Mandeville, St. Tammany Parish, where graffiti was spray-painted on the synagogue's exterior. Captured on surveillance around 1:30 a.m., the suspect fled the scene in a dark-colored Honda Civic. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office has clarified that the graffiti was not anti-Semitic, describing the markings as nonsensical words and letters. This incident is currently under investigation, with the authorities seeking assistance from the public to identify the perpetrator. This is not the first instance of vandalism at this synagogue; a previous anti-Semitic graffiti incident in 2018 led to an arrest in 2020.
Hate Crime Investigation at Saint Alban’s Episcopal Church, Glen Burnie
The Anne Arundel County Police Department (Maryland) is currently investigating a hate crime at Saint Alban’s Episcopal Church in Glen Burnie, following vandalism that occurred around 6 p.m. on Sunday. The incident, captured on security footage, involved a teenage boy and girl who damaged the church property by breaking a piece of concrete from a flower bed and vandalizing a memorial plaque. Due to the nature of the property targeted, the incident is being treated as a hate crime. The church staff reported the damage on Monday morning, prompting the ongoing investigation by the Northern District Detective Unit. The police are appealing to the public for any information related to the incident.
STORY UPDATES
Arrest of Seven Teenagers Following Stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari in Australia
On April 24, 2024, Australian police arrested seven teenagers, aged 15 to 17, who were allegedly involved in a violent extremist network, following the stabbing of a bishop at Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, Sydney. This group includes a 16-year-old previously charged with terrorism after attacking a bishop and a priest during a church service, an act caught on the church's livestream. In response to the incident and widespread dissemination of the attack footage on social media, significant security measures were implemented, including a temporary ban on the video across platforms, which has sparked legal challenges and debates about free speech. This event has heightened security concerns, leading to extensive police operations involving over 400 officers and resulting in significant public unrest and damage during subsequent riots.
You can expect attacks like this here in the United States. Many former terror investigators and experts expect a complex terror attack that will rival 9/11 in the US in the near future.
INTERNATIONAL
Priest and Community Members Targeted in Shooting in Peixoto de Azevedo, Brazil
On April 21, 2024, a violent attack occurred at a private residence in Peixoto de Azevedo, Brazil, where Father José Roberto Domingos and other guests were gathered. The incident resulted in the priest being injured and two senior citizens killed. Father Domingos, who was shot in the hand, underwent medical treatment including surgery to remove a bullet and shrapnel. The assailants, identified as Inês Gemilaki and her family, allegedly targeted the homeowner over a longstanding financial dispute. The attack also involved accusations of revenge by one of the assailants, relating to personal grievances against the homeowner. The local police have since apprehended the suspects, and Father Domingos is now recovering, focusing on spiritual healing and forgiveness despite the traumatic event.
Sectarian Violence Erupts in Minya, Egypt
In a recent outbreak of sectarian violence in Minya, southern Egypt, Muslim extremists reportedly set fire to several homes of local Christians. This incident occurred in the late hours of a Tuesday, closely preceding the Coptic Orthodox Easter celebrations. According to a source within the Coptic Orthodox Church, the violence was sparked by Christian attempts to build a new church in Al-Fawakher village, which was met with violent opposition from Muslim neighbors. The extremists allegedly attempted to force Christians out, ultimately resorting to arson while the residents were still inside their homes. Although the situation was contained by authorities who arrested the suspects, details remain sparse as no official statement has been released yet. This region, known for its significant Christian population, has witnessed recurring acts of violence against them.
Escalating Attacks on Christians in India
In India, the Christian community is experiencing a distressing surge in violence, with reports indicating at least two attacks per day, as outlined by Human Rights Watch and other advocacy groups. This violence, characterized by arson, forced conversions, and physical assaults, is notably conducted by right-wing Sangh Parivar organizations, leveraging communal strife for political gains. The increase in attacks has been particularly prominent since the BJP came to power in 1998 and again in 2014. Recent incidents include the vandalism of Christian homes and churches, assaults on religious personnel, and widespread harassment, significantly affecting states governed by the BJP. The situation presents a grave challenge to India's secular and democratic facade, revealing deep-seated religious intolerance.
I like your new format, it give a good snapshot of info and I can pick out areas I want to glean more from.