Man Breaks Into Royal Oak Church, Destroys Statue: Police

ROYAL OAK, MI — Police on Thursday accused a South Korean man of breaking into a Royal Oak church and destroying a 92-year-old Virgin Mary statue, Royal Oak officials said.

Sungwon Lee, 30, was charged with one count of breaking and entering, a felony that carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and one count of malicious destruction of property over $1,000, a penalty of up to 5 years in prison. His bond was set at $25,000, officials said.

Lee's next court appearance is scheduled for 3 p.m. March 18 before Judge Wittenberg in the 44th District Court.

Police said Lee broke into the St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 730 S. Lafayette Ave in Royal Oak on Tuesday night at 9:00 p.m. When officers arrived at the church, they found Lee inside throwing several items around in the building, officials said.

When Lee spotted officers outside, he walked out of the church dragging the now-headless Virgin Mary statue, which was a 5 ½-foot-tall sculpture valued at $5,000, officials said. Officers also said he broke four windows to the front doors of the building and a large outdoor floodlight, which is estimated at $1,400.

As officers placed Lee under arrest, officials said Lee only spoke one word to them, "Justice." Officials said Lee might have suffered from mental health issues.