Church Crime Watch March , 2024
In this edition:
Teenager Injured at Fort Worth Church Party Shooting
SWAT Standoff Near Baltimore Church Ends Without Incident
Vandalism Hits Bloomington Churches and Businesses
$30,000 Stolen from Rialto Church; Authorities Seeking Suspect
Jackson Church Damaged by Fleeing Thieves, Pastor Remains Thankful
Fire Investigation at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz
Surge in Violence and Kidnappings in Haiti Affects Church Operations
Louisville Bishop Indicted for Arson of Historic Church
Hartford Church Leader Initiates Armed Patrols Amid Local Violence
Former Mormon Bishop Charged with Child Sex Abuse
Maryland Church Teacher Accused of Abusing Children During Prayers
Disturbance at Rome Church Leads to Arrest
Sylmar Pastor Chases Suspect in Stolen Church Property Incident
Homicide Suspect Granted Permission for Religious Services
Bible Study Theme: Justice, Mercy, and Redemption in a Christian Life
Teenager Injured at Fort Worth Church Party Shooting
During a birthday party held at a facility owned by New Bethel Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, a 17-year-old boy was shot in the foot and is described as an innocent victim by Fort Worth police. The incident occurred at a rented space across the street from the church's main sanctuary, intended for a 16-year-old's birthday celebration. The shooting took place after a disturbance inside the party led to at least one individual retrieving a weapon from a vehicle and opening fire towards the building. Authorities are investigating the incident, with multiple witnesses providing information expected to lead to an arrest. The victim is believed to have had no involvement in the disturbance that precipitated the shooting. New Bethel Baptist Church, while owning the facility, clarified that the event was not affiliated with their church activities. Fort Worth police anticipate charging the assailant with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Security measures were in place at the party, including screening attendees and using a wand to detect weapons, yet the firearm was accessed from a vehicle outside.
If you are renting out your church and need a metal detector to check the attendees, you should not be renting that church out for that group. I read another story on this incident that said that shooting took place at 11 PM. Nothing good happens at a party at that hour. I would limit the rental to 9 PM. most of the shootings, stabbings and other violent crimes I have seen over the decades occurred from 10 PM. In fact, the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) and reports from law enforcement agencies often highlight that violent crimes peak during the hours of 10 PM and 2 AM.
SWAT Standoff Near Baltimore Church Ends Without Incident
On Sunday morning, the Baltimore Police Department was engaged in a tense standoff near a church located in the 2500 block of West Patapsco Avenue in Baltimore. The situation began to escalate before noon, prompting the involvement of SWAT teams by approximately 11 a.m. Due to the standoff, local authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents and advised the public to avoid the area. The standoff led to road closures in the vicinity. However, the situation was resolved, and the shelter-in-place order was lifted shortly before 2:30 p.m. As of the latest updates, no details have been released regarding a possible suspect involved in the incident, but further information is expected to be made available. This event underscores the critical role of law enforcement in managing public safety during potentially dangerous situations.
What do you do if you have a shelter in place at your church due to police activity? We usually Issue these orders because we feel you would be in harms way if you were to come outside. You should have a plan at your church in case this ever happens. In short, you should keep people away from walls and windows on the side of the church that has the problem. The further inside you are the better your people will be. I would also place armed people near the entrances so that if the suspect were to break the perimeter, you can deal with it appropriately. Remember, suspects always go to a church thinking they are safe there and the police won’t come after them. Be prepared. Remember your ABC’s.
Vandalism Hits Bloomington Churches and Businesses
Two churches in Bloomington, Illinois, along with several westside businesses, suffered damage due to vandalism. Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, a prominent predominantly Black congregation at 801 W. Market St., and Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 711 N. Main St., were the religious institutions targeted. The vandalism led Mount Pisgah to cancel in-person Sunday worship services, opting for online ones instead, after senior pastor Timothy Mark Harris described the vandalism as significant, affecting both the interior and exterior of the church building. Holy Trinity experienced less severe damage, with windows smashed at the church rectory and parish center. Bloomington Police have arrested one woman in connection to the vandalism and reported additional incidents of criminal damage to local businesses.
Alarms…. each week I remind you. I’ll keep reminding you until all of you get an alarm at your church (and a 4k video system).
$30,000 Stolen from Rialto Church; Authorities Seeking Suspect
Authorities are on the hunt for an unidentified thief responsible for stealing $30,000 in cash from a vehicle parked outside St. Catherine of Siena Church in Rialto, California. The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on February 4th, when a priest placed a bag containing the month's collection money inside his car. Subsequently, an individual in a silver compact vehicle swiftly took the money from the car and fled the scene. The Rialto Police Department, which responded to the theft, has yet to provide a description of the suspect. Despite the significant financial loss, the priest involved was unharmed during the theft. This loss represents a substantial amount of the church's monthly funds, according to Diocese of San Bernardino spokesman John Andrews. The investigation is ongoing, with police efforts to identify and locate the thief continuing.
I hash these out each week so we can all learn from mistakes made. It is not meant to demean, defame, or cause problems for a church or any individual person. We all need to learn. With that said, here we go.
Here is what the police ar thinking: 1) There was no theft, the money was embezzled and a false report was made. 2) There really was a theft and $30,000 was stolen. 3) If this was really a theft, insider information could have lead to the thieves knowing what car to hit and when.
When you are handling that much money, have an armed security team handle the deposit. It should never be a lone person, that sets that person up for a robbery or accusations that the money was embezzled. When you make your deposits, do it on differing days and times and take a different route to the bank each time. Be unpredictable. Very few people, if any, should know when the deposit is being made. Conduct frequent audits of the church’s money to ensure there is no incentive to steal.
Jackson Church Damaged by Fleeing Thieves, Pastor Remains Thankful
The True Believers in Christ Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, suffered damage after a trailer, stolen by thieves from nearby FMS Greener Technologies, crashed into the building on Friday morning. Pastor Ernest Smith, despite the circumstances, expressed gratitude that the situation was not worse, highlighting the potential for greater harm had the trailer hit a vehicle or pedestrian. The theft and subsequent crash were captured on FMS' video surveillance, with additional footage from a neighboring business expected to aid Capitol Police in their investigation. Pastor Smith affirmed that the incident would not deter their worship activities, planning to continue services as usual and commence repairs promptly. The community is now rallying around the church, with FMS Greener Technologies hopeful of making amends for the unintended consequences of the theft. Capitol Police have yet to provide updates on the case.
I love followers of Christ. This pastor is absolutely right. This could have been worse. He had a video system on hand that captured the event and is helping police. Good job pastor.
Romans 8:28 (NIV): "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
This verse speaks to the belief that even in adverse circumstances, there can be a greater plan at work, one that serves a good purpose for those who maintain their faith and love for God. Pastor Smith's thankful and forward-looking response to the incident reflects a faith that all things, even seemingly negative events, can ultimately contribute to a larger, positive divine plan.
Fire Investigation at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz
Late Friday night, a fire broke out on the grounds of Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz, drawing immediate response from fire and police units. A resident near the 200 block of High Street first spotted flames around 11:30 p.m., originating from a cross on the church's grounds. Surveillance footage revealed a person loitering in the vicinity of the cross for about 30 minutes before smoke and flames were observed. This suspect, described as a man with a thin build, wearing a black hat, a gray hooded sweatshirt with dark writing, and black pants, was seen leaving the area towards Highway 1. The Santa Cruz Police Department is actively seeking the community's assistance to identify the possible arson suspect and has encouraged anyone with information to contact Detective Alvarez. The incident has prompted an investigation into the cause of the fire, with the church and local authorities working closely to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.
Each week we have a shooting, embezzlement, sexual assault and arson. Arson is a huge risk for churches, more so than an active shooter. Please have a fire alarm (and burglar alarm). We need to protect our churches better than we have in the past.
Surge in Violence and Kidnappings in Haiti Affects Church Operations
Haiti is facing an unprecedented crisis that verges on the brink of civil war, with widespread violence and kidnappings severely impacting the church's ability to serve its congregants, according to Archbishop Max Leroy Mésidor of Port-au-Prince. The Archbishop, who also presides over the Haitian Bishops’ Conference, has highlighted the dire situation where no area in the country remains safe, and clergy and church personnel are at constant risk of abduction. This has made it extremely difficult for the clergy to travel and minister to the faithful. Despite the harrowing circumstances, the faith of the people remains resilient. The violence began escalating earlier this month with attacks in Port-au-Prince, including prison raids that led to the escape of thousands of inmates. Armed gangs, acting with alarming organization and force, have been raiding churches to kidnap attendees, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty. The Archbishop expressed concern over the inability to visit large parts of his diocese due to road blockages and emphasized the perseverance of the faithful amidst the turmoil. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has been instrumental in providing support, but the Archbishop calls for continued prayers and solidarity from the global community to help navigate this dire situation and maintain hope and resilience among the Haitian people.
We are lucky we do not have this problem in the US. However, my Border Patrol contacts have let me know that there are a lot of these types of thugs that have crossed our border illegally. They did not leave their criminal, evil ways at the border. America is in for a hard time. Beef up your church security team and start talking about scenarios that used to sound far fetched that are not so far fetched anymore.
Louisville Bishop Indicted for Arson of Historic Church
In Louisville, Kentucky, a bishop has been charged with first-degree arson by a grand jury, following accusations of setting fire to the Greater New Hope Community Church in Old Louisville on March 13, 2021. This historic building, located in the 200 block of East Jacob Street, not only served as a church but was also the original site of the Keneseth Israel synagogue, Kentucky's first synagogue. The fire resulted in severe structural damage to the building and injured one firefighter. Jonathan Mullins, who identified himself as a bishop of the church at the time, is alleged to have initiated the fire, with evidence uncovered during investigations led by the Louisville Metro Arson Bureau and the ATF's Louisville field division. Mullins faces a potential sentence of 20-50 years in prison if convicted. His arraignment is scheduled for March 18 at 10 a.m. in Jefferson Circuit Court.
Hartford Church Leader Initiates Armed Patrols Amid Local Violence
In Hartford, Connecticut, Archbishop Dexter Burke has initiated the formation of armed citizen patrols in response to recent gun violence, including a double homicide near his church in February. This move comes as part of a broader effort to curb the spate of violence on Garden Street, with local activist Cornell Lewis leading "Minister Cornell Lewis' Self-Defense Brigade" in these patrols. However, this action has been met with criticism from Hartford's Democratic Mayor, Arunan Arulampalam, and other local leaders who argue that introducing more firearms into the community could exacerbate the situation rather than alleviate it. Despite these concerns, Archbishop Burke believes these patrols are necessary to maintain safety and order in the vicinity of his church and the broader community.
I did a video last week that outlined the crisis America is in with law enforcement. Defunding the police worked and drove off hard working cops while keeping good people from applying. I teach law enforcement full time. I often ask them how bad staffing is for their agency. A majority of agencies are between 50-70% staffed. That is abysmal. In turn, crime will be up and you will see instances like this. Please watch my video on why you need to be your own cop below to better understand this complex issue. It will affect your church.
Former Mormon Bishop Charged with Child Sex Abuse
In a recent development in Virginia, a former bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, previously highlighted in an Associated Press investigation into the church's handling of sexual abuse allegations, has been arrested on charges of sexually abusing his daughter during a school trip years ago. The arrest came after a grand jury in Williamsburg, Virginia, indicted him on multiple felony charges including rape and aggravated sexual battery. This case has resurfaced amid scrutiny of the church's methods for managing abuse cases, which include employing legal strategies to maintain confidentiality and avoid litigation. The indictment follows allegations that the former bishop abused his daughter in both Idaho and during a school field trip to the Washington, D.C., area. These allegations come years after similar charges were dropped in Idaho due to a lack of testimony from a key witness, a scenario compounded by the church's invocation of a clergy-penitent privilege, preventing the bishop from testifying about the abuse confession. The church, in response to the accusations, stated that child abuse is inexcusable and confirmed the excommunication of the accused, who has not been readmitted to church membership.
For further details, read the full story here.
Maryland Church Teacher Accused of Abusing Children During Prayers
Ervin J. Alfaro-Lopez, a 33-year-old teacher at a Maryland church, has been charged with sexually abusing four girls, aged between 6 and 12, some incidents of which allegedly occurred while the children had their eyes closed during prayers. The abuse reportedly took place between 2014 and 2018 at a church located in Montgomery County. Alfaro-Lopez, who is being held without bond, faces over 20 counts of sex abuse and sex offense charges. Additionally, federal immigration authorities have sought his deportation, revealing that the Salvadoran national has unlawfully entered the United States three times and undergone two removal proceedings. The case, which is currently under investigation by Montgomery County detectives and the county’s child welfare agency, has raised concerns within the community, especially as Alfaro-Lopez was previously released on bond in 2023 despite an ICE detainer request, which was not honored by the Montgomery jail. Authorities believe there may be more victims, given the nature of the allegations and the period during which the abuses occurred.
I did a video outlining this case on YouTube, but it is being throttled by the censors. In it, I outlined that this never should have happened. This is a person that has been deported multiple times and has other sex offenses and arrests. All of which would have shown up in a background check. Background checks should be done on ALL church volunteers and employees. All have contact with vulnerable populations. In previous articles, I outlined how predators come to churches because of our trusting nature and forgiveness if they are ever caught.
Read the full article on The Washington Post here.
Disturbance at Rome Church Leads to Arrest
In Rome, Georgia, a Lawrenceville woman, Kail Schemmel, 28, was arrested following an incident at the Assembly of God church on Callier Springs Road. The disturbance occurred when Schemmel, claiming the church was involved in harmful activities, caused significant damage and assaulted an individual during a church service. Upon arrival, Rome police found Schemmel behaving erratically and making threats, including stating intentions to harm a churchgoer and denouncing the existence of Jesus. The altercation escalated when she resisted arrest, biting an officer's forearm and resulting in minor injuries to the officers involved. The incident, which took place in the presence of children, also involved Schemmel throwing her dogs onto the church's pulpit and making violent threats towards a man in the congregation. Schemmel faces multiple charges, including disorderly conduct, vandalism to a place of worship, terroristic threats, criminal damage to property, cruelty to children, obstruction of an officer, and battery. The damage to the church property is estimated at approximately $1,400.
Expect more of these incidents with the flare up of tensions in the Middle East and the support being shown to Palestinians by far left groups. I have free training for you that would help you in incidents like this. Just head over to ChristianWarriorTraining.com and click on the TRAINING tab.
For more details, read the full story here.
Sylmar Pastor Chases Suspect in Stolen Church Property Incident
In a surprising turn of events early Monday morning in Sylmar, California, Pastor Tony Samora of Legacy Church engaged in a high-speed chase after a suspect who allegedly stole a trailer containing a small tractor from the church premises. The theft, which involved cutting through a fence, led to a wild pursuit through the San Fernando Valley after Pastor Samora encountered the suspect by chance on Glenoaks Boulevard. The chase reached triple-digit speeds and concluded when the suspect crashed into a Prius on White Oak near Devonshire. Despite the retrieval of the stolen vehicle, the church's tractor remains missing. Authorities found a police scanner and tools commonly used in burglaries inside the suspect's vehicle, indicating a potential for further criminal activities.
I am 100% on board with people trying to detain criminals committing crimes. However…. be smart about it. Chasing criminals in your car without red lights and a siren will result in disaster. Ask any cop, pursuits will always end in a crash. I don’t think I’ve ever had one where they pull over and give up. I have been on scene of fatal pursuits, meaning the crash at the end was so violent that it killed someone. Just think out your actions before you take them. The DA in this county, Gascon, would have prosecuted the pastor had this ended in a fatality. This same communist DA will almost certainly drop charges against the suspect.
For more details, read the full story on FOX 11 Los Angeles.
Homicide Suspect Granted Permission for Religious Services
In a recent hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein made a decision regarding the pretrial release conditions of Jose Ramos, a 36-year-old defendant charged with second-degree murder while armed in the 2022 fatal beating of 58-year-old Eduardo Cruz. Despite being confined to his home for anything other than work since December 19, 2023, Ramos sought to modify these conditions, aiming for GPS monitoring and a curfew to allow more freedom. However, due to the serious nature of the charges against him, the prosecution opposed these changes, leading to Judge Epstein denying the request for modification on the basis of "no change in material circumstance." Nevertheless, Ramos was granted the opportunity to attend religious services on Fridays, provided within a three-hour window. This decision comes as the court also rescheduled Ramos' trial to June 23, 2025, with a trial readiness hearing set for November 15.
We want people like this to come to church to better understand Christ and ultimately to come to Christ. With that said, he should have a security detail on him the entire time. It’s not just because of his alleged crime, it is also the fact that if someone wanted to do him in for revenge, they now know where he will be on Friday night. Your church. I would coordinate with him and have at least two people covering him from the time he hits the parking lot until he leaves. I would also have safety ministry members outside looking for anything unusual. I would also coordinate with law enforcement.
For more details on this case, visit D.C. Witness.
Bible Study Theme: Justice, Mercy, and Redemption in a Christian Life
Week 1: Justice and Righteousness in God's Kingdom
Focus Verses: Micah 6:8, Proverbs 21:15
Discussion: Discuss the importance of acting justly as followers of Christ, especially in light of the crimes and challenges mentioned. How does God view justice, and what does that mean for Christians today?
Week 2: The Power of Forgiveness Through Christ
Focus Verses: Matthew 18:21-22, Luke 6:37
Discussion: Reflect on Christ's teachings about forgiveness. How can we apply these teachings within our communities and in response to wrongdoing?
Week 3: Healing and Restoration Through Faith
Focus Verses: Psalm 147:3, 1 Peter 5:10
Discussion: Explore how faith in Christ supports healing after adversity. What role do Christians play in the healing and restoration process for both victims and those who have caused harm?
Week 4: Personal Transformation in Christ
Focus Verses: Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 5:17
Discussion: Discuss the concept of transformation through Christ. How can the church support individuals seeking to change their lives after engaging in criminal activities?
Week 5: Christian Duty to Act and Serve
Focus Verses: Isaiah 1:17, James 2:14-17
Discussion: Consider the biblical call to help those in need and to act as servants of Christ in our communities. What are some concrete steps that can be taken to address the needs highlighted in the newsletter without falling into the realm of political or social ideologies?
Reflection and Application
Participants are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and challenges in relation to justice, mercy, forgiveness, and transformation. This reflection can take the form of journaling, prayer, and community discussion.
This Bible study is designed to encourage a deeper understanding of God’s teachings on justice, mercy, and redemption, and to inspire Christians to live out these principles in practical and compassionate ways within their communities.
As always Keith...timely info...easy to find in one place. Stay strong brother...we are praying for you.
KEEP YOUR CHURCH SAFE...STAY INFORMED HERE...SUBSCRIBE NOW!!!
Thanks again for all the important information. The Bible study is great and I'll see about including it in our small group once we're finished studying Spiritual Warfare.