Callaway County sheriff: Four teens arrested in church vandalism
FULTON, Mo. (KMIZ)
Authorities have taken four teenagers into custody in connection with vandalism at a Holts Summit church.
Sheriff Clay Chism gave an update on the investigation from the Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist on Thursday. Chism said the four suspects range from 14 to 16 years old and they have been taken to the juvenile justice center in Columbia. The teens were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of burglary and property damage, he said. They are from the Holts Summit and Jefferson City area.
Chism, who labeled the vandalism of the predominantly Black church "offensive" and "despicable," said investigators immediately focused on the case when the damage was reported last Wednesday. Property damage investigation are typically delayed, he said.
"That morning our deputies recognized the significance of this incident," Chism said.
Watch the update in the player below.
Vandals hit the grounds of the Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church early last Wednesday, damaging pews, breaking windows and tearing holes in walls. Chism said last week that it wasn't clear whether the crimes at the predominantly Black church were racially motivated but his office notified the FBI of its investigation.
Chism said Thursday that investigators have found no evidence of a hate crime but the investigation continues. The sheriff's department wants to make sure it finds anyone involved in the incident, he said.
Chism said the FBI has been in regular communication with his office.
A FBI spokesman confirmed the sheriff's office notified the agency of the investigation.
"Just because arrests have been made, this investigation is not over, there is still work to be done," Chism said.
He said if the investigation did take a hate crime avenue, a federal investigation and federal resources could be offered. The FBI has assured Callaway County Sheriffs they stand ready.
The church was founded by slaves in the 1800s, church leaders says. The grounds are home to the original church building and a newer building, both of which were damaged. Chism said most of the damage was done at the old building.
The pastor said the church has been a frequent target for vandals over the years.
