3 Hate Crimes Arrests In Vandalism At Churches In Anne Arundel

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Two Gambrills brothers and a third man with no fixed address have been charged with hate crimes in a string of vandalism and thefts from churches in Annapolis and Odenton over the past month, police said Thursday.

Detectives charged Blake Krenzer and Brandon Krenzer of Gambrills on Tuesday for vandalizing the Black Lives Matter and Pride signs at the Ark & Dove Presbyterian Church. Anne Arundel County Police said on Thursday investigators arrested Jarren Alexander of no known address, for several cases of vandalism.

Officials said a marked increase in thefts, vandalism, destruction, and burglaries targeting places of worship in Anne Arundel County include:

Ark & Dove Presbyterian Church: Piney Orchard Parkway in Odenton on June 13, Black Lives Matter and Pride signs were vandalized.

Fowler United Methodist Church, Bestgate Road in Annapolis on June 9, burglary, destruction and vandalism in excess of $100,000 is reported.

St. Phillips Episcopal Church, Bestgate Road in Annapolis, on June 10 a church sign was destroyed and on June 13 church statues were destroyed.

Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Riva Road in Annapolis, on June 24 church signs were vandalized and flower beds destroyed.

Alexander is accused of damaging the Fowler United Methodist Church, as well as the St. Phillips Episcopal Church, and possibly a third site, police said.

“I want to congratulate the good men and women in our Anne Arundel County police department, the detectives and community that supported them in their work,” said County Executive Steuart Pittman in a statement. “Any perpetrators who think that a house of worship is a place to express their hate should learn that justice will prevail.”

Some members of Fowler United Methodist were afraid to return to church after the breakin. Pastor Jerome Jones said area churches donated hymnals and Bibles to replace those that were destroyed, while $10,000 has been donated to help with expenses, the Baltimore Banner reported.

“I am extremely proud of the outstanding police work of our officers and detectives in the Western and Southern Districts who worked tirelessly to bring closure to these recent hate/bias incidents in our county,” said Deputy Chief of Police Katherine Roberts at a press conference. “There is no place for hate anywhere in Anne Arundel County, and we will not tolerate these acts against our places of worship or any individual in our county.”

Officials continue to investigate the cases to determine the suspects' motives and whether they have a history of mental health issues or ties to known hate groups.