Tag: Vandalism

US: Indiana man who said he targeted Church over satanic beliefs sentenced to federal prison

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JEFF TURNER

PLAINFIELD, Ind. — A 21-year-old Indiana man who told investigators he targeted the Maple Grove Baptist Church in Plainfield because of his involvement in Satanic groups has been sentenced to 10 months in federal prison for vandalizing a Baptist church sign, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana.

Steven James Perkinson, of Plainfield, Indiana, pleaded guilty to intentional damage to religious property and making a false statement to a United States agency. Chief Judge James R. Sweeney II of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana imposed the sentence, which includes three years of supervised release following Perkinson’s prison term.

Investigators say a forensic review of Perkinson’s cell phone revealed searches for local churches, including “Maple Grove Baptist Church Plainfield,” “Churches near me,” and “Plainfield Bible Church photos.” His phone also contained searches for occult-related terms, including “Noctulian Blood Covenant” and “Nexion 435,” as well as searches for the “address of largest Jewish church in America,” the press release said.

Agents also found online messages in which Perkinson claimed to have access to firearms and encouraged mass violence, along with photographs of him posing with recently deceased animals and evidence that he had set fire to a dumpster, according to the press release.

Perkinson told investigators he was motivated by involvement in various Satanic groups and that he targeted the sign specifically because it belonged to a Christian church.

On Nov. 18, 2024, Perkinson spray-painted a pitchfork and the numbers “666” over the display on the sign in front of Maple Grove Baptist Church in Plainfield, and painted an “X” over the sign’s cross symbol, the press release said.

When agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation first questioned him, Perkinson denied any knowledge of involvement in the vandalism. He admitted to the act only after agents executed a search warrant on his cell phone.

The FBI had first become aware of Perkinson in 2023 following an Instagram post referencing school shootings, according to the press release.

Perkinson had no prior criminal record. The case was investigated by the FBI.

Man with bat smashes windows and doors at four US churches

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Four churches in South Carolina have been vandalized this week, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage. An 18-year-old suspect has been arrested for allegedly using a baseball bat to smash windows and doors at the churches.

The incident affected four congregations located several kilometres apart. One church representative reported that 20 windows and entrance doors were damaged, with the front doors alone estimated to cost around $40,000 to repair.

The suspect is currently in custody with a bond set at over $100,000.

While the churches plan to enhance their security measures, they intend to continue holding regular services. Some church leaders are curious about the motivation behind the vandalism.

The affected churches are working to assess and repair the damage. One church representative mentioned that the cost of repairing the front doors alone would be significant, not including the numerous broken windows.

Despite the destruction, the church community has shown resilience and a spirit of forgiveness. They remain committed to their mission and hope to understand the reasons behind this act of vandalism.

Vandalism Strikes Historic U.S. Church

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

A church in the U.S. is addressing extensive damage caused by an act of vandalism, with repair costs estimated to reach tens of thousands of dollars.

Authorities are investigating after St. Mary the Immaculate Conception Church in Michigan City, Indiana, was vandalized, leading to significant disruptions to its services. The damage, discovered by Associate Pastor Zach Glick, included shattered stained-glass windows, broken doors, and the destruction of a century-old statue of Saint Joseph. According to Father Glick, the financial impact of the repairs could range from $20,000 to $40,000. However, he noted that certain losses, such as the destruction of historic and symbolic items, cannot be measured in monetary terms.

Local police confirmed that they are continuing their investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, repair efforts at the church are ongoing.

Motive unknown following vandalism at U.S. church

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

A statue at Holy Cross Church in Harrison, New Jersey, was vandalized on December 3, 2024, according to the Harrison Police Department.

The incident came to light when a friend of the church’s priest noticed the statue was missing and informed him. The church, located in Hudson County, later provided surveillance footage to the police for review.

Video evidence shows a man approaching the church and surveying the area before attempting to push the statue over. When the initial effort failed, the man returned and destroyed the statue completely.

Authorities have not yet identified the suspect or established a motive for the act. The investigation is ongoing.

Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact them as they continue to work on the case.

U.S. Criminals smash windows, spread paint in California church building

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JANET JOHNSON-TREMBLAY

Vandals in the U.S. targeted the building sanctuary of First Church of the Nazarene in Bakersfield, California.

Police in California were called to the church on Sept. 21, 2022 after graffiti, broken windows and overturned pews were discovered at the house of worship.

Volunteers from other congregations have helped clean up most of the damage.

Police in Bakersfield have not yet determined who is responsible for the criminal attack on the church.