Church Crime Weekly
A compilation of all of the crime at churches over the past week
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Armed Break-In at Omaha Church Rectory
Transformation at Berachah Church: From Littering to Baptism
Church Burglary Leads to High-Speed Pursuit and Arrest in Preble County
Forgiveness and Resilience: Cloquet Church Recovers from Vandalism
Monroe Community Protests Pastor's Controversial Comments
Homicide Investigation at Tampa Church
Marathon Pastor Charged with Sexual Battery on Minor
Dog Attack Behind Coaling Church Leaves Woman Injured
Impersonator Steals from Queens Church Rectory
Former Church Member Charged with Threatening Mass Violence
Man Arrested After Being Rescued from Behind Wall in Los Angeles Church
San Jose Man Arrested for Church Burglaries
Former LDS Church Leader Appeals Sexual Conduct Sentence
Tennessee Church Supports Law Enforcement Grieving Deputy's Loss
Stabbing Incident Involving Students At St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church
Man Records 2 Women in Collinsville Church Restroom
Ex-SC Church Volunteer Avoids Prison for Child Sex Crimes, Must Wear GPS Monitor for Life
Armed Break-In at Omaha Church Rectory
A 29-year-old woman was arrested after breaking into the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church rectory in south Omaha, armed with a knife. The incident, occurring around 6 a.m., led to a priest barricading himself and being subsequently rescued by the Omaha Fire Department. This event is part of a concerning pattern, following another church attack in Nebraska months prior. The woman was taken for hospital evaluation, and the church canceled services due to the incident.
I did an indepth review of this incident over on YouTube and X (Twitter). Make sure you follow my social media to catch things before they hit the newsletter.
Read more about the incident here
Transformation at Berachah Church: From Littering to Baptism
Terry Scott, a 32-year-old homeless man, found an unexpected path to redemption at Berachah Church's West Campus in Middletown, Ohio, following a misdemeanor charge for littering thousands of pounds of tile in the church's parking lot. Initially facing a $2,000 restitution and jail time, Scott's life took a turn when he met Pastor Jim Tinch Sr. from Berachah Church while staying at Serving the Homeless with Alternate Lodging Of Middletown (SHALOM). This encounter led Scott to attend a service at Berachah, culminating in his baptism by Pastor Jake Ferguson and marking a new chapter in his life. In a gesture of forgiveness and support, Pastor Ferguson requested the Middletown Municipal Court to waive Scott's fine, emphasizing the importance of grace, mercy, and community support in overcoming past mistakes. Scott, who has faced significant personal challenges including the loss of his son and a recent divorce, is now working towards rebuilding his life, including securing a part-time job and applying for affordable housing, with the support of his newfound church family.
I love this story. As Safety Team Ministry members, we sometimes get caught up in protecting and forget about grace and forgiveness.
Colossians 3:13: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." This verse emphasizes the importance of patience, forgiveness, and mercy towards one another, mirroring the forgiveness we receive from God.
Church Burglary Leads to High-Speed Pursuit and Arrest in Preble County
A man, Douglas K. Vanderpool, 29, from Trotwood, has been formally charged following a high-speed chase with Preble County deputies after breaking into a church in Butler County, Ohio. The incident occurred when a witness reported the burglary of a Madison Township church on February 27. The suspect led deputies on a pursuit from Camden to the 1500 block of North Barron Street, where after deploying a tire deflation device, his vehicle was stopped, and he attempted to flee on foot. He was apprehended with the assistance of a sheriff’s deputy K9 and treated for minor injuries. Vanderpool faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including Failure to Comply with an Order or Signal of a Police Officer, Vandalism, Receiving Stolen Property, and Resisting Arrest. Additional charges are expected in Butler County, and Vanderpool had an outstanding warrant in Montgomery County at the time of his arrest. This event involved coordination among the Preble County Sheriff's Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the Camden and Eaton Police Departments.
I’ll continue to preach that ALL churches need burglar/fire alarms and sturdy door hardware and entry point hardening. You are easy targets and times are changing quickly.
Forgiveness and Resilience: Cloquet Church Recovers from Vandalism
In August, Good Hope Church in Cloquet, Minnesota, experienced significant damage when Matthew David Powers, 39, vandalized the property, causing an estimated $200,000 in damages. The late-night burglary involved flooding the church by leaving a garden hose running, among other destructive acts. Despite the extensive damage, which displaced the congregation for over two months, the church's Lead Pastor, Mike Stevens, expressed forgiveness towards Powers and highlighted the incident as an opportunity for the church to grow stronger. Powers, who has since been sober for 202 days, was sentenced to three years of supervised probation after pleading guilty to second-degree burglary, with conditions including following treatment recommendations and refraining from alcohol and drug use. The community's support played a crucial role in the church's recovery, with insurance covering the damages and the congregation not seeking restitution. Pastor Stevens emphasized forgiveness and redemption, offering Powers a message of hope for a future filled with joy, peace, and purpose.
Monroe Community Protests Pastor's Controversial Comments
In Monroe, North Carolina, for the second consecutive Sunday, community members gathered outside Bible Baptist Tabernacle to express their outrage over Pastor Bobby Leonard's controversial remarks. The pastor made statements suggesting women could be blamed for sexual assault based on their attire, even stating he wouldn't convict a man accused of rape if the woman was wearing shorts. This has led to protests calling for accountability and raised concerns about the funding of Tabernacle Christian School, which is connected to the church. The school has received over $900,000 in public taxpayer funds through a state voucher program for both 2023 and 2024. Community members are questioning the allocation of these funds to an institution associated with such viewpoints, with some advocating for the removal of financial support. The protests reflect a broader call for action against the church's leadership and a demand for a change in the community's tolerance of such perspectives.
I won’t get into the pastor’s comments, but I would like to hilight that you need to prepare for protests at your churches. My church is viewed by some as anti-gay, anti-muslim and anti-LDS. When people decide they want to protest your church, you should have an action plan all ready to go. That would include strengthening entry points, having evacuation plans and liaising with police to protect the church. What is your plan to deal with protestors?
Homicide Investigation at Tampa Church
The Tampa Police Department is currently investigating a homicide case after a woman's body was discovered outside the Iglesia de Dios Church of God, located on the 5700 block of North Nebraska Avenue in Tampa, Florida, early on the morning of March 4, 2024. The discovery was made around 8:04 a.m., with the crime scene marked by police tape. According to initial reports, the victim suffered from upper body trauma, although details surrounding her death are still being pieced together by investigators. The identity of the woman has not been released, pending notification of her next of kin. Local residents and community leaders expressed their dismay and concern over the incident, highlighting the impact of such violent crimes on the community's sense of security and sanctity of religious spaces. Tampa police are urging anyone with information to come forward and contact them or Crime Stoppers.
Each week I remind you that people view churches as a place of sanctuary. Criminals often gravitate to a church. It is unknown if the body was dumped there or that is where the murder happened. Either way, if you discover this in the morning at your church, don’t touch anything, don’t enter the crime scene and block off the area so no one can contaminate the crime scene.
Marathon Pastor Charged with Sexual Battery on Minor
Monte Lavelle Chitty, a 62-year-old pastor at First Baptist Marathon in Marathon, Florida, was arrested for allegedly sexually battering a 15-year-old girl who was under the influence of alcohol at the church premises. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation following an anonymous tip about the incident. According to the investigation, the victim was given alcohol that she suspected had been spiked, leading to her losing consciousness. Upon waking, she found Chitty molesting her. The investigation also revealed incriminating text messages between Chitty and the victim, corroborating her account of the events. Chitty, who had also registered as a volunteer pastor with the Sheriff's Office, is now facing multiple charges, including sexual battery of a minor, lewd and lascivious conduct, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and is being held without bond.
Dog Attack Behind Coaling Church Leaves Woman Injured
In Coaling, Alabama, a woman is recovering from injuries sustained during a dog attack that occurred behind a church on Sunday afternoon. Michele Battles experienced a harrowing ordeal resulting in a deep gash below her right eye, scratches above the eye, and a cut on her lips after attempting to feed a 40-pound border collie tied up behind her church. The attack happened shortly after the morning service when Battles felt compelled to assist a homeless man and his daughter by providing food for them and their dog. Despite the dog initially appearing friendly, it unexpectedly attacked Battles as she was feeding it. She required several stitches and rabies shots as a result of the incident but has decided not to press charges against the dog's owners due to their homeless status. Battles is expected to fully recover from her injuries, with no lasting damage to her vision.
Just a few weeks ago I reported an incident where church security shot and killed a dog at their church. Know your force options on dogs. Lethal force may be necessary, but has many downsides (like missing and hitting someone unconnected to this). Pepper spray (I prefer bear spray in incidents like this), bean bag rounds, and fire extinguishers all work well to stop an attack.
Impersonator Steals from Queens Church Rectory
At the American Martyrs Roman Catholic Church in Hollis Hills, Queens, a thief disguised as a visiting priest managed to steal $900 in cash from a 63-year-old priest's bedroom. This incident occurred around 12:20 p.m. on Sunday, with the criminal convincing the victim of his false identity and gaining access to the rectory. After committing the theft, the impersonator fled the scene in a dark-colored sedan. The New York City Police Department has released images of the suspect in hopes that the public can assist in identifying him. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
New York Catholic churches have been getting hit by crime in almost every issue I put out each week. Many don’t have security teams. The other city showing up consistently is Memphis. Please keep your head on a swivel in these cities.
Former Church Member Charged with Threatening Mass Violence
In Elon, North Carolina, a former member of the Friendship Baptist Church, identified as Keven Wayne Dillard, has been charged with communicating a threat of mass violence at the church. The incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, when Dillard was barred from entering the church by a security team member due to alleged threatening remarks he had made. The church's pastor was promptly notified and contacted the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office. Following an investigation, authorities found probable cause to charge Dillard with the felony. Alamance County deputies collaborated with the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office to apprehend Dillard, a resident of Rockingham County. He was arrested around 11:30 p.m. the same night and is being held without bond in the Rockingham County Jail.
Good job all around. If someone says they’re going to shoot you up, you can count on that happening. Mercy and forgiveness is good, but make sure that the person is arrested so that you can prevent that person from carrying out their threat. They also need help with whatever is causing their anger.
Man Arrested After Being Rescued from Behind Wall in Los Angeles Church
In downtown Los Angeles, a peculiar incident unfolded when a man became trapped behind a brick wall inside a church on South Hill Street. The event, occurring early in the morning, prompted a response from emergency crews who discovered the man in a precarious position behind the wall at the Tapestry LA Church. Through the adept use of sledgehammers and other tools, firefighters managed to free the man, who was then taken into police custody after being evaluated by paramedics and found to be in good condition. Initially, there were suggestions that the individual might have been involved in a burglary attempt, although specific details regarding the reason for his custody have not been disclosed by the police.
Repeat after me… My church needs to have a burglar/fire alarm, reinforced entry points and a 4K video system.
San Jose Man Arrested for Church Burglaries
Jaime Gutierrez Flores, 33, from San Jose, was arrested for a series of burglaries at various churches and temples across the South Bay, involving the theft of around $53,000 in donations. The arrest occurred at a San Jose church, with the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office still seeking accomplices. The series of crimes, spanning from December 2023 to February 2024, targeted several places of worship. Flores and his accomplices were implicated in multiple incidents, including breaking into a Santa Clara church and a Milpitas temple, as well as repeated burglaries at a Sunnyvale Hindu temple. Flores, who faced arraignment with a bail set at $1 million, is charged with multiple burglaries, including an attempted evasion from police after a burglary at the Sunnyvale Hindu temple. The DA emphasized the sacredness of the targeted locations and vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Former LDS Church Leader Appeals Sexual Conduct Sentence
Michael Adam Davis, a former leader at the Kasson Church of Latter-Day Saints in Minnesota, has filed an appeal against his 30-year sentence for criminal sexual conduct, with the Minnesota appeals court considering the possibility of a new trial. Davis was convicted in 2022 on multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, and one count of indecent exposure in front of a minor. His defense contends that the use of text messages and testimony from individuals not directly connected to the case was prejudicial and unfairly positioned Davis as having authority over the victim, a point contested by the prosecution. The appeals court has 90 days to decide on the appeal.
Tennessee Church Supports Law Enforcement Grieving Deputy's Loss
In the wake of the tragic death of Blount County Sheriff’s Department deputy Greg McCowan, who was fatally shot during a traffic stop on February 8, East Maryville Baptist Church in Blount County, Tennessee, has become a sanctuary for grieving law enforcement officers. The church, known for its long-standing relationship with the sheriff's department, opened its doors to officers on the night of the incident and the following day for counseling and communal grieving. Chief Deputy Jeff French, a member and deacon of the church, and Summer Russell, the church's director of education and community outreach and a sheriff’s department chaplain, exemplify the deep connections between the church and law enforcement. The church has historically supported the sheriff’s department through various means, including hosting graduations for new officers and providing meals for training events. This tragic event has underscored the risks law enforcement officers face daily and highlighted the church's role as a beacon of hope and support in times of darkness.
If members of this church are in here, THANK YOU! I’ve lost more than one friend during my career, and one more friend was murdered after I retired. Having this place to grieve is wonderful. Some of the officers that come may not have come to Christ yet and this may be what they need for that little push.
Stabbing Incident Involving Students At St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church
In Peterborough, Ontario, a serious incident occurred involving students from Adam Scott Collegiate Vocational Institute, leading to a stabbing in the north end of the city. The incident, which took place off school property in the parking lot of St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, involved a 15-year-old boy who sustained non-life-threatening injuries and a 15-year-old girl from Peterborough who has been arrested in connection with the event. The altercation drew a "large group" of youth and resulted in the boy being hospitalized. School principal Laura Doucette informed parents and guardians about the altercation, stating that emergency services were quickly on the scene to provide medical assistance to the injured student. The school has been in contact with the police, who have assured there is no ongoing threat to public safety. Mental health support is being offered to students affected by the incident, especially those who witnessed it. The 15-year-old girl has been charged with aggravated assault and is due in court on March 25.
Man Records 2 Women in Collinsville Church Restroom
In Collinsville, Illinois, Wayne Stombaugh faces charges for allegedly recording two women in the restroom of Unity Spiritual Center, as announced by the Madison County State's Attorney's Office. The 60-year-old Missouri resident, described as a "regular attendee" of the church, is implicated in unauthorized video recording incidents that occurred in June and July of last year. The local community expressed shock and concern over the safety breach in a place considered sacred. Church officials responded promptly upon discovery, banning Stombaugh from the premises and reporting the matter to the Collinsville Police Department. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward, while emphasizing that they currently do not suspect there are additional victims. Stombaugh is charged with three counts of unauthorized video recording, a Class 4 felony.
This happens frequently. I would suggest having your janitors and safety team check the bathrooms before each service. Where would you look for a recording device? Many times they put recording devices in a vent. Other times they will simply disguise a camera in ordinary objects. Add bathroom checks to your usual patrol detail.
Ex-SC Church Volunteer Avoids Prison for Child Sex Crimes, Must Wear GPS Monitor for Life
William Pinckney Carpenter III, a 64-year-old former volunteer at two Baptist churches in South Carolina, has been sentenced to probation and will have to register as a sex offender for life, following his guilty plea to four felony counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child. The crimes, which spanned from 2011 to 2021, involved illegal touching of children over their clothes at church events, a private home, and aboard a church bus. The negotiated plea agreement, accepted by Judge Dan Hall at the Moss Justice Center in York, spared Carpenter prison time but imposed a 15-year suspended prison sentence for each charge, contingent on his adherence to strict probation and sex registry rules. This resolution, influenced by victim input, aims to avoid a trial and ensure lifetime monitoring of Carpenter, emphasizing rehabilitation and public safety. Carpenter, who had no prior record, acknowledged his actions in court, with his attorney stressing the importance of closure for all involved.
Church crime is where the money is at because the victims trust you if you pretend you're a Moneychanger, I mean Christian. 🤭