Church Crime Watch February 24, 2024
A breakdown of the week's major crime at US churches
Carson City Man Arrested for Machete Assault in Church Parking Lot
In Carson City, a man was arrested for felony assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly chasing a woman with a machete in a church parking lot. The suspect, identified as Pierce Horseman, was taken into custody following an incident where deputies were dispatched to the scene after reports of a man wielding a knife. The victim, attempting to flee in heels and a dress, reported Horseman fell during the chase, allowing her to escape into the church to alert others. Horseman was later detained near the church, and a machete was found in a nearby yard by tribal police. Horseman, who also had an outstanding warrant for a misdemeanor violation, faces a $21,000 bail.
All troubles start in the parking lot. Security should be in the parking lot as well as inside the church. This incident is a great example of why you need to train shooting at moving targets and shooting on the move. If you were in the parking lot and saw a man chasing a woman with a machete, you would need to act quickly and decisively. This means you moving and shooting while he is moving and having a good person nearby. Many of us train for situations like this. Are you?
Woman Accused of Embezzling Over $500,000 from Business and Church in Buffalo, NY
In Buffalo, NY, a woman is under investigation for allegedly embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from St. Amelia Church, where she worked, and for stealing over $500,000 from a local business, Audiology Service Associates. The accused, known as Lisa Noble, previously served as the business manager for both the church and the audiology business. Dr. David T. Nelson, the owner of the audiology company, reported he had to close his 30-year-old business due to the financial losses caused by Noble's thefts. Noble, who has a history of theft and had been previously convicted under a different name, Lisa Prynn, is believed to have fled Western New York to avoid prosecution. Efforts to reach a plea deal with the Erie County District Attorney's Office were unsuccessful, as Noble missed scheduled meetings and has since been unreachable. The District Attorney's Office is investigating the substantial thefts from both entities, and legal actions are ongoing. Noble's criminal activities have led to significant financial and employment losses, highlighting the importance of thorough background checks in hiring practices.
Predators choose to prey on churches because of our good nature and our forgiveness. Churches tend to be trustworthy to the point that they won’t conduct audits or double check critical work. If caught, the predator will prey on the church’s willingness to forgive. They will then move on to the next victim church.
Proverbs 27:12
"The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty."
Vandalism at Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia
In the early hours of a Monday morning, Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, a significant historic site in Philadelphia's Society Hill, was vandalized. A perpetrator, described only as a man, was seen throwing rocks through the church's windows around 4 a.m. to 5 a.m., causing approximately $15,000 in damages. These windows, dating back to 1890, are an essential part of the church's storied past.
FBI Investigates Suspicious Letter at Cypress Baptist Church in Benton, Louisiana
The FBI has taken charge of an investigation concerning a suspicious letter discovered on February 19, 2024, at Cypress Baptist Church in Benton, Bossier Parish, Louisiana. This facility is of significant interest as it is utilized as the business address for Onward Christian Counseling Services, owned by Kelly Johnson, the spouse of Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office was the initial responder to the incident, which was subsequently handed over to Louisiana State Police and finally to the FBI for further investigation. The alarming discovery involved a white powder within the identified envelope, with the FBI's initial on-site field tests indicating negative results. Comprehensive more in-depth testing is currently proceeding at a local laboratory to conclusively identify the substance.
If you have public figures in your church, like senators, congress members or people with high public profiles, you will need to take them into account in your church security plans.
Former Youth Pastor Charged with Molestation in Orange County
In Lake Forest, California, a former youth pastor from Saddleback Church, a well-known evangelical Christian megachurch, faces charges for molesting four teenage boys. The accused, Ruven Meulenberg, 39, was initially arrested in May 2017 for lewd conduct with two 14-year-old boys during 2016-2017. His actions, including inappropriate relationships and sexual abuse, occurred at a movie theater and in his car. Meulenberg, who had a significant role in the church's Junior High Ministry, was convicted in 2018, but the conviction was overturned due to juror misconduct. Subsequently, a third and fourth victim came forward, leading to additional charges against Meulenberg. As investigations continue, authorities suggest there could be more victims due to Meulenberg's prolonged access to children through his church role. If convicted on all charges, he could face life in prison. Meulenberg remains on GPS monitoring while awaiting trial.
It would be interesting to know if they did good background checks on him prior to taking a position in the church. Many churches do no background check or substandard ones. A good background check is critical to weed out potential pedofiles, violent offenders and grifters.
Statue of Jesus Vandalized in Manhattan Church
An incident of vandalism occurred at the Immaculate Conception Church in Manhattan's East Village, where an apparently homeless man caused approximately $4,000 in damages. After being discovered sleeping inside the church around 11 a.m. on a Monday, the individual awoke and began a destructive rampage, knocking over a statue of Jesus and bookcases. The church had just concluded its 10 a.m. Mass, and several parishioners were present praying the Rosary. Churchgoers intervened, managing to escort the irate man out of the church. The suspect fled on foot towards First Avenue and had not been apprehended as of Wednesday.
NYC has been hit hard by homeless people attacking churches. We will put a special class out at some point on dealing with homeless. Here, waking someone with drug addiction or mental health issues can be tricky. Sometimes, it may be best to have the police deal with the person.
Former Pineville Pastor Arrested for Domestic Abuse Battery
Danny Prenell Jr., the former pastor of Bright Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Pineville, Louisiana, was arrested in Alexandria on charges of domestic abuse battery. The arrest, made on February 21, 2024, follows an incident where police were called to a domestic battery report in the Webster Street area, finding a victim with minor injuries who identified Prenell as the suspect. This incident is part of a troubling pattern, as Prenell was involved in a shooting incident in June 2023 in McComb, Mississippi, where he allegedly shot his wife and then himself at the Hampton Inn, with both surviving the ordeal. At the time, their children were present, leading to them being placed under the custody of the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services. Prenell, who also has a history of domestic violence, served as a deputy with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office before his pastoral role. The Alexandria Police Department lists Prenell's age as 28, though other records suggest he is 26. This case is under ongoing investigation.
This is a good example of why you need background investigations. He could easily try to become a pastor at a new church after release from prison. He was a corrections deputy at one point, but he will never be in law enforcement again because our background checks will uncover his past deeds. We need to weed out people that could potentially harm our congregations.
Attack on Asian Woman En Route to Church in Manhattan Leads to 15-Year Sentence
In a disturbing incident of racially motivated violence, Brandon Elliot was sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for attacking Vilma Kari, an Asian woman, as she was heading to church in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan, New York. The attack, which occurred in front of an apartment building, was captured on video and showed Elliot, who had been previously jailed for stabbing his mother to death in 2002, kicking Kari to the ground and stomping on her while making anti-Asian statements. Kari, originally from the Philippines, sustained a fractured pelvis and a head contusion but expressed forgiveness towards Elliot during the sentencing. Elliot, who pleaded guilty to assault in the first degree as a hate crime and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, apologized to Kari, who acknowledged the apology but highlighted the deep impact of the attack on her sense of belonging and peace in America.
People, in general, have poor situational awareness. I’m not saying that was the case here, however, more and more offenders are being let off with light sentences and reintroduced into our communities. Even in red states (looking at you Montana, Idaho, Nebraska and Oklahoma). With these criminals and deviants being released, we need to keep our head on a swivel and pay attention to our surroundings. You don’t need to be paranoid, but you do need to see who is around you.
Historic Hempstead Church Vandalized with MS-13 Graffiti
Officials have reported an act of vandalism at the historic Saint George's Episcopal Church in Hempstead, where graffiti, appearing to say "MS-13," was found on the front gate. This incident has raised concerns within the community and among church members. The graffiti's reference to MS-13, a notorious international criminal gang, adds a particularly alarming aspect to the vandalism, although the motives behind this act remain unclear. The church, known for its historical significance and role in the community, is now at the center of attention as law enforcement investigates the incident. The community and church officials are calling for unity and resilience in the face of this disheartening act.
I used to be a sergeant in charge of a gang unit in the San Francisco Bay Area. MS-13 is everywhere. So are other notorious gangs that don’t get the press’ attention. Every Sunday, I saw gang members I knew that were shooting at each other during the week attend Sunday service. I always waited for them to shoot each other up at the church. Here, this could be a wannabe, but it could very well be that an MS-13 member is claiming this as their area. I have always advocated for church safety ministries to have an intelligence officer. In this case, the intelligence officer would look at open source information and information from local law enforcement to determine if this is a viable threat they need to worry about. If it is a viable threat, the intelligence officer would need to look within the church to see whom the message was directed at.
Neglect Investigation at Evansville Church Daycare
In Evansville, Indiana, a criminal investigation is underway at Methodist Temple UMC's daycare following allegations of a daycare employee administering Melatonin to children to induce sleep. The Evansville Police Department (EPD) initiated the investigation into potential neglect after being alerted by a pastor associated with the Methodist Temple UMC on Lincoln Avenue. As of now, no arrests have been made, and further details regarding the investigation remain undisclosed. The case highlights the critical importance of oversight and safety protocols within childcare facilities.
Great job Pastor! Far too often churches bury incidents like this. That is wrong! Bring the incident to light like this pastor did and be transparent. Tackle the issue head on.
Church Burglary in Deposit, New York
A man from Deposit, New York, has confessed to the burglary of the First Baptist Church in the town of Deposit. Corey D. Koch, 33, pleaded guilty to third-degree attempted burglary, a Class E felony, in Delaware County Court on February 20, 2024. The stolen items included a silver fork, paper plates, and a black plastic container. As part of a plea agreement, Koch is expected to receive a sentence of five years of felony probation supervision. Should he violate the terms of his probation, Koch could face a re-sentencing of 1 and 1/3 to 4 years in state prison.
Jasper County Deputies Thwart Church Burglary
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Jasper County deputies apprehended two men, Deric Blankenship, 36, of Buna, and Steven Massey, 46, of Jasper, during an attempted burglary at an abandoned Catholic Church in Buna, Texas. The officers were alerted to the scene around 2 a.m. following a report of a possible burglary at the church located off of 35194 US Highway 96. Upon arrival, deputies discovered signs of forced entry and found a large roll of wire, indicating theft. The search led to the discovery of both suspects hiding in the church's attic. According to the Jasper County Sheriff's Office, the men admitted to planning the burglary and suggested a third accomplice's involvement. Blankenship and Massey face charges of burglary of a building, a state jail felony, and engaging in organized criminal activity, a third-degree felony. They are currently held at Jasper County Jail, with authorities pursuing warrants for the alleged third participant.
Fairbanks Church Vandalized; Suspect Arrested
A church in Fairbanks, Alaska, suffered significant vandalism on Sunday, February 18, with damages estimated at around $12,000. Alaska State Troopers (AST) were called to Northstar Baptist Church on Phillips Field Road at 1:45 a.m. under the impression of a burglary, but no evidence of theft was found. Instead, security footage revealed an individual using a mini sledgehammer to damage the church's windows and doors. The AST, alongside Fairbanks AST's Criminal Suppression Unit, identified and arrested Joshua Daniel Craft, a 37-year-old Fairbanks resident, later that evening. Craft has been charged with Criminal Mischief and is currently held at Fairbanks Correctional Center. Authorities are also investigating Craft's potential involvement in other crimes in the Fairbanks area dating back to October 2023. The AST encourages anyone with information to come forward and contact them at (907) 451-5100.
Good video surveillance at the church for the WIN! Seriously, good footage and good cops that know their criminals will always result in an arrest. Good job AST and good job Northstar Baptist Church.
Stabbing Incident at East Flatbush Church Under Construction
In a distressing event on the afternoon of February 23, 2024, violence erupted within the confines of the Rehoboth Open Bible Church, located at 888 East 56th St. in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, which is currently under construction. Two individuals, whose identities have not been disclosed, were involved in a physical altercation inside the church premises. During the scuffle, one of the individuals used a sharp object to slash the other in the face, resulting in severe injuries. The assailant, described as wearing a black jacket, fled the scene on foot towards Glenwood Road. The victim was promptly transported to Brookdale University Medical Hospital, where they were reported to be in stable condition. The New York Police Department is actively investigating the incident, but no arrests have been made thus far.
It is odd that I did not receive the newsletter in email and thought I might have missed it. Glad I found it from the app.