Church Crime Watch March 24, 2024
In this edition:
A Quick Thought About the Russian Active Shooter Incident
Victorville Pastor Arrested in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot
Pastor Sentenced for Theft from Our Savior Lutheran Church
Buffalo Church Volunteer Accused of Stealing Mass Offerings
Former St. Amelia's Business Manager Charged in $1 Million Theft
Islamist Vandalism Shocks French Villagers
Church Bells Dispute Leads to Threats in Devon Village
Two Midland Church Leaders Arrested for Child Sex Crimes
Suspicious Fire at Martin Luther King Jr., Community Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Massachusetts
Arson Attack on Florida Las Olas Chabad Jewish Center
UK Government's New Extremism Definition Concerns Christians
Level 3 Sex Offender Accused of Groping Woman Inside Lowell Church
Bible Study: Psalm 46: God Our Refuge and Strength
A Quick Thought About the Russian Active Shooter Incident
This week, Russia experienced an active shooter event at a theater that has cost many lives. The video is widely available. It shows four attackers armed with full auto AK’s going through the theater killing people. There is a lot of misinformation going through social media on this subject. Cut through that for a moment and think about all of the people that have come across our porous border in the last year. Think about the FBI warnings and my warnings to you. This is what you can expect happening to us, here, in the future. Study how these attacks happen and then go to your church and think about how you can keep it open and welcoming, while still being vigilant. I don’t know if I’ll do an after action on their active shooter, but it does strike me as how it will be done here to us. The chance of this happening to you is minimal, but it isn’t zero. Remember your ABC’s.
Victorville Pastor Arrested in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot
In Victorville, California, a pastor was arrested on charges related to an alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting a man who had been dating his daughter. Samuel Davalos Pasillas, 47, from Victorville, was apprehended on March 13 for his involvement in a car-to-car shooting incident that occurred on October 21 in Riverside. The victim, who was shot several times while driving, survived the attack and managed to reach a hospital. According to Riverside police, Pasillas is accused of hiring two men for almost $40,000 to execute the shooting, providing them with detailed information about the victim's whereabouts. Both Pasillas and one of the alleged shooters, Juan Manuel Cebreros, 55, of Long Beach, face charges including solicitation for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and assault with a deadly weapon, and are held on $1 million bond. The search for a third suspect continues. Pasillas, who volunteered and occasionally acted as pastor at Centro de Oración Internacional in Victorville, and Cebreros have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Pastor Sentenced for Theft from Our Savior Lutheran Church
Erin Gullickson, 49, from Benedict, has been sentenced to jail time, probation, and ordered to pay full restitution after being convicted of stealing over $80,000 from Our Savior Lutheran Church in Max, North Dakota. Beginning in 2016, Gullickson used the stolen funds for personal expenses, including groceries, home goods, travel, jewelry, gas, and clothing. The conviction came after a trial in January, and South Central District Judge Cynthia Feland issued the sentence, which includes more than half a year of jail time, three years of supervised probation, and a restitution plan starting with $1,000 monthly payments. This sentence surpasses the initial recommendation by McLean County State's Attorney Ladd Erickson. Feland emphasized the importance of not delaying the church's compensation and highlighted Gullickson's abuse of trust and the community's resultant fracture. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Western North Dakota Synod has since removed Gullickson from its roster of pastors.
Buffalo Church Volunteer Accused of Stealing Mass Offerings
A volunteer at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Buffalo has been charged with third-degree grand larceny for allegedly stealing about $3,000 in Mass offerings. Frank Winiarski, 67, of Buffalo, is accused of tampering with the Mass collection bag and pocketing cash from parishioners over a seven-month period ending March 3. Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced the charge, and Winiarski was arraigned in Buffalo City Court, where he was released on his own recognizance. Scheduled for a felony hearing on April 16, Winiarski faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.
I just wrote an article about how to secure your offerings. You can read it here or you can click the link below.
Former St. Amelia's Business Manager Charged in $1 Million Theft
Lisa A. Noble, a 43-year-old former business manager at St. Amelia’s Church in Tonawanda, was arraigned and charged with grand larceny for allegedly embezzling approximately $1 million from the church and a medical office. Noble, also known as Lisa Prynn, is accused of stealing around $465,000 from St. Amelia’s between April and September 2023 and over $500,000 from an audiology practice between 2016 and 2021. The thefts involved cash, forged checks, unauthorized credit card use, and wire transfers. Erie County District Attorney John Flynn emphasized the gravity of stealing from a church, framing it as "the worst of the worst." After fleeing to North Carolina, Noble was apprehended by U.S. Marshals and faces charges including second-degree grand larceny, criminal possession of a forged instrument, and falsifying business records. Noble reportedly spent almost all the stolen funds, leaving little hope for restitution beyond the $20,000 recovered by authorities.
Islamist Vandalism Shocks French Villagers
In a shocking act of vandalism, Islamist slogans were painted on 58 graves, a church door, a World War I memorial, and tomb art in Clermont d’Excideuil, Dordogne Department, southwest France. The incident, which occurred overnight between March 10 and March 11, has left the local community in dismay. Slogans in French and Arabic, including messages like “Submit yourselves to Allah,” “Happy Ramadan non-Muslims,” and claims that “France is already Allah’s,” were discovered. The local mayor, Claude Eymery, and residents were particularly disturbed by this act, viewing it as an unprecedented attack on their community's Christian symbols and memorials. The vandalism, condemned by local authorities, is under investigation, with no culprits caught yet.
Although this is in France, we should worry about this here. With unfettered access to America through a porous border, we are facing the same crisis as France. Churches should watch what is occurring in Europe and other places and adjust security plans.
Church Bells Dispute Leads to Threats in Devon Village
In Witheridge, Devon, a longstanding resident and former bell ringer faced violent threats after complaining about the continuous ringing of St John the Baptist's church bells. Initially attempting to tolerate the quarter-hour chimes for six months, the villager sought a solution due to the incessant noise disrupting his peace. Misconstrued as a newcomer unfamiliar with rural customs, the villager's pleas were dismissed, encapsulated by a dismissive remark from the vicar, "You’ll get used to it," which he interpreted as "f*** you." This incident escalated into a broader community conflict, resulting in the implementation of a noise abatement order to halt the bells at night. Despite his readiness to finance a solution to reduce the disturbance, his offer and the dual nature of the complaints were overlooked, leading to further contention and an unfortunate narrative casting him as the antagonist in a matter deeply affecting his quality of life. This situation has ignited a debate on the balance between preserving traditions and ensuring the well-being of all community members .
During a sermon last week, my pastor said something I’ve heard before. He said, “People don’t go to church because of people that do go to church.” We need to exemplify our values, which can be tough sometimes. This reminds me of a great verse in 1 Peter 2:12: “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”
Two Midland Church Leaders Arrested for Child Sex Crimes
In Midland, Michigan, two church leaders from Mark Barclay Ministries and Living Word Church are facing serious allegations and charges related to child sex crimes. James Randolph, a 57-year-old pastor and minister, was arrested in November 2023 and is now headed to trial, charged with several felonies including two counts of first-degree and four counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. The charges stem from accusations of inappropriate conduct with a minor who was often in Randolph's care, starting from 2012 when the alleged victim was in sixth grade. The incidents reportedly continued until 2018. Additionally, church elder and volunteer, 44-year-old Brandon Saylor, was charged in July 2023 with nine felony sex crimes, with Saylor pleading guilty to three counts in January 2024. Both cases have brought to light the significant concerns surrounding the safety of children in church environments and the importance of thorough background checks and safeguards within religious organizations. The church has responded by placing Randolph on administrative leave pending the outcome of his trial, emphasizing their commitment to the congregation's safety.
Again, if there is a sexual assault committed by one of your staff, fully expect the number of victims to be tenfold. Many of these incidents are unreported. These cases also keep people from seeking Christ, or to stop going to church. Churches must realize that predators go into this profession and seek positions within the church to prey on victims. You must root these people out through background checks and a solid policy recognizing this is a problem. If something like this comes up at your church, be transparent and work with police. DO NOT HIDE THE PROBLEM. That goes against the bible.
For more information, visit the full article here.
Ephesians 5:11
"Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them."
Suspicious Fire at Martin Luther King Jr., Community Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Massachusetts
A fire described as “highly suspicious” occurred at the Martin Luther King Jr., Community Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Massachusetts, early Monday morning, prompting an investigation by local and federal authorities. Firefighters were called to the scene around 5 a.m., and it took approximately an hour to extinguish the flames, leaving the church significantly damaged and “unusable.” Springfield Fire Commissioner Bernard Calvi highlighted the peculiar nature of the incident, noting that it's one of several fires in the area over the past three weeks, raising concerns about potential hate crime motives. The church, established in 1979 and currently led by Reverend Dr. Terrlyn L. Curry Avery, had recently undergone roof renovations funded by congregation efforts. The investigation involves Springfield Police, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco, and the Massachusetts State Police Arson and Bomb Squad. A $5,000 reward is offered for information leading to the cause of the fire, with authorities urging anyone with details to contact the arson hotline.
There’s an arson of a church each week in this bulletin. Some commonalities show through though. Make sure that your church has a fire/burglar alarm and you have a good 4k video system.
Arson Attack on Florida Las Olas Chabad Jewish Center
In the early hours of Saturday morning, the Las Olas Chabad Jewish Center in Florida suffered significant damage due to an arson attack. This incident impacted the synagogue, Hebrew school, and community center, according to statements from the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, Fort Lauderdale Police Department, and Las Olas Chabad. Security footage captured a man, later identified by authorities as 50-year-old Scott Hannaford, using a flammable substance to ignite a minivan parked outside the center. This act of arson, which appeared to be premeditated and targeted, has led to Hannaford's arrest and charges including arson, criminal mischief, and possession of cocaine. Despite this event, Rabbi Chaim Slavaticki of Las Olas Chabad emphasized the resilience of the community, vowing to rebuild and continue their work. The center, which lacks insurance as it does not own the building, has initiated a fundraiser to gather a million dollars for repairs and rebuilding efforts.
UK Government's New Extremism Definition Concerns Christians
The UK government's recent publication of a new definition of extremism has raised concerns among Christian groups, fearing it may inadvertently brand Christians with traditional beliefs as "extremists." According to Christian Concern, the definition describes extremism as the promotion of ideologies based on violence, hatred, or intolerance aiming to undermine others' fundamental rights and freedoms. This has sparked worries that Christians holding pro-life views, gender-critical perspectives, or traditional marriage beliefs could be targeted under this definition. Incidents where Christians were reported to the government's counter-terrorism scheme, Prevent, for their beliefs have been highlighted as examples of this potential overreach. Christian Concern's Andrea Williams criticized the definition as vague and not fit for purpose, fearing it could lead to more Christians being reported to Prevent. The organization urges the government to clarify that fundamental rights do not encompass abortion, same-sex marriage, or gender identity changes, to prevent mislabeling Christians as extremists.
I’m putting this in here because our own US government has started investigations on Catholics and recently tried to pass legislation that would put church security teams on the list of paramilitary organizations. We should all be critical of our government’s moves that would target Christians.
2 Timothy 3:12:
"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."
Level 3 Sex Offender Accused of Groping Woman Inside Lowell Church
On March 7th, at St. Joseph the Worker Shrine in Lowell, Massachusetts, a homeless man identified as a Level 3 sex offender was accused of groping a woman in a church hallway and assaulting a member of the clergy who confronted him. The 54-year-old assailant, with a history of sexual offenses, was apprehended after the incident, which was captured by the church's surveillance system. The Shrine's statement highlighted the challenges of ministering in an inner-city environment and their efforts to maintain safety and vigilance. The accused, who has previous convictions for indecent assault and battery, was arraigned with charges including assault and battery on a person 60 years or older, indecent assault and battery on a person age 14 or older, and disturbing a religious service. He is held on bail with a pretrial hearing scheduled for April 10th.
If you have a large homeless community that you minister too, you are at risk for this type of crime. I worked in a city with a large homeless population and these types of crimes are more frequent than in other communities. I wrote an article on how to deal with sex offenders that visit your church, which you can read here or click below.
Bible Study
Psalm 46: God Our Refuge and Strength
Reflecting on Our Foundation
In light of the various incidents reported—from acts of vandalism and arson to theft and allegations of grave misconduct within church leadership—it's crucial to anchor our response in a steadfast faith in God's sovereignty and protection. Psalm 46 invites us to consider God as our ultimate refuge and strength, especially when faced with situations that threaten the peace and safety of our congregations and communities.
Verses 1-3: Unshakeable Faith Amidst Chaos
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."
Application: Amidst reports of crime and unrest affecting our communities and places of worship, how can we cultivate a faith that stands firm, unshaken by external chaos?
Verses 4-7: The Sanctuary of God's Presence
"There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."
Application: Reflecting on the sanctity and resilience of our places of worship, how does the assurance of God's presence in our midst inspire us to rebuild and restore, both physically and spiritually, in the aftermath of attacks or controversies?
Verses 8-11: A Call to Witness and Be Still
"Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.' The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."
Application: In confronting the challenges and threats highlighted in these reports, how can we, as a faith community, pause to recognize God's sovereignty and find peace in the command to "be still"? How does this perspective guide our response to both external attacks and internal challenges within the church?
Discussion Questions:
In what ways can our church community become a tangible expression of God's refuge and strength for those affected by the incidents reported?
How can we balance the call to be open and welcoming with the necessity of vigilance and security in our congregations?
Reflecting on Psalm 46, what practical steps can we take to ensure our church remains a sanctuary of peace and safety amidst the storms of our time?
As we go into this study, let’s seek to embody the principles of Psalm 46, remembering that our ultimate security and strength lie not in human measures but in the unchanging presence and power of God.
Thank you Brother for your commitment to keep us informed! God bless you 🙏🏽
And thanks for the Psalm 46 study!