Church Crime Watch 12/10/2023
Please forward this email to your christian friends involved in either administration or safety ministries. This week's crime watch has sex crimes perpetrated by those in positions of trust, shootings, vandalism and theft, and one story of a christian being lit on fire for being a believer.
Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Richmond Pastor
Victor Manuel Hernandez-Pineda, a pastor at Iglesia Pentecostes Movimiento De Gloria in Richmond, California, faces severe allegations of sexual abuse. Karen Cifuentes, now 21, reported that Hernandez-Pineda abused her over a period of three years, starting when she was 13. She described being coerced into sexual acts, believing it was God's will. Her story was corroborated by another young girl, Joseline Alvarez, who reported inappropriate conduct by Hernandez-Pineda. The Richmond Police Department, represented by Lt. Donald Patchin, acknowledges the difficulty for victims to come forward but emphasizes the importance of doing so. They are providing resources and support to potential victims, with the intent of ensuring full accountability under the law. The church community, including Eber Cuellar, expressed shock and a sense of betrayal, underscoring the profound impact of these allegations. The case highlights the critical issue of addressing and preventing abuse in religious settings.
Embezzlement at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church
In North Strabane, Washington County, PA, a significant case of embezzlement has come to light involving the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church. The Rev. George Athanasiou, a 37-year-old priest from Cecil Township, is accused of stealing over $117,000 from the church. The alleged embezzlement occurred between April 2022 and November 2023, with Athanasiou facing over 200 felony charges including unlawful taking, forgery, bad checks, and access device usage. The arrest followed an internal investigation by the church's parish leadership, which then involved the North Strabane police. Athanasiou has been suspended without pay pending the criminal case's outcome, as stated in a letter to parishioners by Metropolitan Savas Zembillas, who described the situation as “deeply distressing for all of us." Athanasiou was released on a $250,000 unsecured bond and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on December 18​​​​​​​​​​.
Investigation at Our Hope Lutheran Church & School
In Huntertown, Indiana, the Indiana District of the Lutheran Church is investigating Our Hope Lutheran Church & School following allegations of inappropriate behavior by the church's pastor. The investigation began after rumors of two teachers resigning due to possible allegations within the school. Parents expressed concerns about the safety and clarity of information during a meeting arranged by Church Council President Richard Thonert. Allegations include the pastor being seen in the children’s bathroom multiple times and making inappropriate comments to staff. The pastor is currently on a paid leave of absence, and his future with the church is subject to a vote by church members. Despite these concerns, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department has no open reports on the matter, and a recent state inspection only cited the program for having two caregivers without a criminal history check.
Vandalism at St. Mary Catholic Church
St. Mary Catholic Church on New Jersey Street in downtown Indianapolis faced vandalism recently, resulting in significant damage. Vandals destroyed a statue of Saint Joseph, weighing several hundred pounds, along with newly remodeled stairs. The damage occurred early Thursday morning and is a major setback for the church, which had recently invested millions in front-end renovations. Helen Small, former co-chair of the church's fundraising committee, expressed dismay over the destruction, noting additional expenses now required for repairs. The total cost of the damage is still being assessed. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) is seeking information on the vandalism.
Bombing at Catholic Mass in Philippines
A tragic incident occurred at Mindanao State University in Marawi, Philippines, where a bomb attack during a Catholic mass resulted in at least three deaths and seven injuries. The attack, which took place in the country's largest Muslim city, is currently under investigation to determine if it involved an improvised explosive device or grenade. The university condemned the violence and has heightened security measures. This bombing follows a recent military airstrike against Islamist militants in Mindanao, and authorities are investigating potential connections between these events.
Shooting Outside First Baptist Church in Memphis, TN
On December 4, 2023, a shooting incident occurred outside the First Baptist Church on East Parkway in Memphis, Tennessee. A man, after exiting the church, noticed multiple suspects breaking into cars and was subsequently shot in the hand and leg. The Memphis Police Department responded to the scene at around 8 p.m. The victim, who had a gun but did not fire, was transported to Regional One Hospital. Inside the church, a pastor and others reported hearing 5-10 shots, with one bullet penetrating a church window and three others striking the building. A gun was found near a ramp to the church. The suspects, who fled in a silver Toyota Camry with a missing headlight, were last seen heading north on Glanker St. The Memphis Police Department is seeking information and encourages anyone with details to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-2274.
FBI's Investigation of Catholics and Alleged Anti-Catholic Bias
A House Weaponization Committee report revealed that the FBI interviewed a priest and a church choir director from a Catholic church in Richmond, Virginia as part of an investigation into traditional Catholics. This was part of a broader scrutiny following an internal FBI Richmond memo, which categorized "radical-traditionalist Catholics" as potential domestic terrorists. The committee, however, found no legitimate basis for the memorandum to intervene in Catholic houses of worship, suggesting an abuse of the FBI’s counterterrorism tools to target Catholic Americans. Despite the FBI denying investigations based on religion, the committee's findings suggest a concerning oversight in the FBI's processes and a potential violation of religious liberties. The FBI's actions are under scrutiny, with calls for safeguarding constitutional rights and ensuring no investigations are based solely on religious practices.
Former Grand Rapids Parish Employee Charged with Sexual Abuse
James Richard Beauchamp, a 55-year-old former employee of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, has been arrested and charged with the sexual abuse of a minor in Grand Haven, Michigan. The incident occurred in a hotel in August, where Beauchamp allegedly provided alcohol to a 17-year-old male and engaged in inappropriate touching. Additionally, Beauchamp reportedly took unsolicited photos of the victim. He faces charges including second-degree criminal sexual conduct, child sexual abuse, giving alcohol to a minor, and using a computer to commit a crime. Beauchamp, who had contact with young people through his role but was not a priest, has been placed on a $500,000 cash/surety bond. The diocese has terminated Beauchamp’s employment and continues to offer support to the victim and cooperate with the investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with further information or who may have been victimized by Beauchamp to contact the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office.
Ugandan Woman Suffers Severe Burns for Converting to Christianity
In Kampala, Uganda, Hajara Namwase, a 32-year-old mother of three, was severely burned by her husband, Musa Kalele, for converting to Christianity. Namwase, who converted on May 3, was attacked after attending a small group fellowship on October 17. Kalele, who was away on a business trip during her conversion, returned unexpectedly to their home in Kenkebu village, Budaka town. He assaulted Namwase by covering her with sheets, dousing her in fuel, and igniting her. Neighbors intervened, rescuing her and facilitating her transfer to a hospital in Kampala for treatment of third-degree burns. This incident underscores the increasing threats against Christian converts in Uganda, where religious freedom is constitutionally guaranteed but often challenged​​.
Vandalism at Calvary Tabernacle Church in Tallahassee, Florida
Calvary Tabernacle Church in Tallahassee, Florida, suffered vandalism on the weekend of December 1, 2023, as reported by Pastor Clarence D. Gray. The church's sign and mailbox were destroyed, part of a series of crimes affecting the area along Highway 20. In recent months, the church has filed five reports for trespassing and theft, including stolen items like a trailer and pressure washer. The Leon County Sheriff’s Office has recorded multiple incidents in the area, including burglaries and thefts. Local business owners, including Christy Philips, have expressed increased safety concerns, leading to community crime watch efforts. Enhanced security measures, including lighting and surveillance, are being encouraged.
Methamphetamine Recovery at Mariposa County Church
In Mariposa County, California, four individuals were arrested after methamphetamine was found in a children's Sunday school room at a Lutheran Church. The arrests occurred following a tip about meth possession in the church's Sunday school room on Highway 49, near Drury Lane. A search warrant executed by sheriff's deputies led to the discovery of drugs, paraphernalia, and evidence of sales. The arrested individuals, Megan McWhorter, Kelly Curtis, Ray Hettinger, and Michael Adamcik, are currently in Mariposa County jail with bail set at $30,000 each.
Vandalism at Pembroke Christian Church's Nativity Scene
The Pembroke Christian Church in Bryan County, Georgia, experienced vandalism when its outdoor nativity scene was targeted. Specifically, the three wise men and the angel figures were stolen. The church, appealing for the return of these items on Facebook, is receiving assistance from the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation. This incident is part of a series of challenges faced by the church, reflecting broader concerns about safety and security in the community. The sheriff's office encourages anyone with information to come forward.
