Accused Church Vandal Faces More Criminal Damage Charges

PALOS HILLS, IL -- More charges were added to accused church vandal Nicholas Gutauskas, who is facing felony charges of institutional vandalism and criminal damage to property. Gutauskas was caught in the act of vandalizing a Catholic church early Jan. 13, Palos Hills police said. He is believed to have vandalized the church on several other occasions.

Gutauskas, 26, allegedly sprayed graffiti and broke windows on Sacred Heart Church in Palos Hills because “he was upset about the hypocrisy of religion,” police said. He has since been charged with two more counts of damaging property belonging to Nicor Gas and Timbers Condo Association.

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The Palos Hills man appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on Jan. 17. The assistant public defender told Felice that Gutauskas is under a physician’s care. He is under the 24/7 watch of his father.

“You’re lucky I wasn’t the judge, not saying you’re guilty,” Felice said. “Can you control him?”

Gutauskas is due back in court Feb. 8 in Bridgeview.

Photo: Nicholas Gutauskas, 26 | Palos Hills Police Department