Man Smashes Virgin Mary Statue With Pole, Is Arrested: Report

MILWAUKEE, WI — Police in Milwaukee say that a 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged after he became enraged and destroyed a Virgin Mary statue outside St. Adalbert's Catholic Church on Aug. 6.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County, Joshua Cisero was arrested and charged with criminal damage to religious property and could face up to 18 months behind bars if he is convicted.

Police say that on Aug. 6, officers were dispatched to St. Adalbert's Church where they talked with a church volunteer who was there for a women's retreat meeting when she heard a commotion out front.

According to police, the woman said that she went outside and saw Cisero destroying the Virgin Mary statue outside the church by smashing it with a steel pole.

According to police, Cisero was walking in the area looking to buy new clothes at the Milwaukee Salvation Army when he walked past the church and saw the statue. According to police, Cisero became angry when he saw the statue because it conflicted with the religious beliefs that he shared with officers following the incident.

Police said that Cisero caused a scene, causing cars to slow down and people to crowd around the incident. According to police, Cisero was in a rage during the incident. When police questioned Ciseros on why he did it, he told investigators, "they practice idolatry. They worship Mary, God said, ‘Thou shall have no other gods before me. I am the Lord your God,’ and I destroyed it, what they worship. They are Catholics, they don’t know the truth. That’s why I did it."

According to police reports, Cisero said he does not regret the incident and would do it again based on his religious beliefs.

Cisero is out on a $1,000 signature bond and is due in court next on Aug. 21 for his preliminary hearing.

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