Pickens Church Vandalism Leads to Felony Charges

A Halloween weekend church vandalism spree in Pickens has led to felony charges for two adults and three juveniles, according to the Pickens County Sheriff's office.

David Allen Stephens, 18, of Six Mile and Hannah Ruth Phillips, 17, of Easley, along with two 14-year-old juveniles and one 12-year-old juvenile, are each facing three charges of malicious injury to a place of worship, the Sheriff's office reported.

“Vandalism is a crime that is taken very seriously, especially vandalizing our places of worship," Pickens County Sheriff David Stone said. "I hope these arrests will send a message that such mischief will be investigated and punished accordingly.”

The vandalism is said to have occurred sometime between Oct. 30 and Nov. 1, officials said. Glassy Mountain View Baptist Church, Tabor United Methodist Church, and New Life Church of God were all targets of the vandalism.

According to arrest warrants, the vandals spray painted graffiti on the churches that included a satanic pentagram and vulgar language. Probable cause for the five arrests were based on investigations and confessions from the vandals.

If convicted, the five individuals involved could face up to 10 years in prison under state law.