LAWRENCE COUNTY, ALABAMA, Ala. — During the early morning hours of January 21st, 2022, two juveniles broke into the New Antioch Church on County Road 217. The male juveniles ages 13 and 15 broke into the church and caused thousands of dollars in damages.
Sheriff Sanders says the juveniles’ broke windows, Tv’s, copy machines, audio/video equipment, overturned bookshelves, damaged furniture amongst other things. According to statements by the juveniles they also stole a wheelchair from the church.
Sheriff Sanders says tips from the public was a major factor in apprehension of the persons responsible for this crime. Tips were reported to the New Antioch Church and to the Sheriff’s Office. Investigators working with Lawrence County School Resource Officers were able to use video evidence obtained from the church to match up with a list of names provided by the tips to identify the juveniles.
One juvenile was turned over to Juvenile Probation Office (JPO) yesterday January 24th and the other Juvenile was turned over to JPO today January 25th. Both juveniles that were turned over to Juvenile Probation Office are facing charges of Burglary 3rd degree, Criminal Mischief 1st degree and Theft of Property for stealing a wheelchair.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.