FAIRFIELD —
Area law enforcement officials are asking the public’s help in an investigation into a series of church burglaries in southeast Iowa.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department told the Courier on Friday that since July 1, there have been reportedly four church break-ins and one attempted church break-in throughout the county, including:
• Faith United Church in Libertyville;
• Calvary Baptist Church in Batavia;
• Pleasant Plain Friends Church;
• Jubilee Kingdom Gathering Church in rural Fairfield; and
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in rural Fairfield.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Lt. Jerry Marcellus said officials believe the church break-ins may be related and that in some instances, the thieves are seeking the same type of items, including electronics.
Marcellus said the burglaries have occurred during the overnight hours. He said while some of the churches were unlocked at the time of the burglaries, other churches were locked and there is evidence of forced entry.
“It’s very upsetting,” Marcellus said, adding that theft of any property is bad enough, but burglarizing churches goes beyond the pale.
And these burglaries are not only impacting Jefferson County. Marcellus said during the same time frame, additional church burglaries have been reported in Wapello, Keokuk and Henry counties as well.
“Any information would be a huge help,” he said.
Those with any information should call the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 641-472-4146.
Local News
Jefferson County plagued by church burglaries
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