Douglas County authorities recently arrested a man accused of vandalizing and burglarizing a local church nearly three months ago. According to Sheriff Chris Degase, 21-year-old Austin Nelson was charged with a Class C felony count of Second-Degree Burglary, a Class A misdemeanor count of Theft/Stealing and a Class B misdemeanor count of Second-Degree Property Damage.
The sheriff’s office responded to a call in late May at Eastern Gate Church in the area of Route NN and County Road 542. Deputies found several pews flipped over, profanity written on a markerboard, a swastika drawn on the pulpit, damaged decorations, glue poured on the piano keys and other damage. Church members said a 47-inch flat screen television appeared to be the only item missing.
The sheriff’s office began to searcy for a male subject after talking to residents in the surrounding community. Nelson was arrested last Thursday in the Goodhope area and booked into the Douglas County jail. Nelson’s bond was set at $15,000, and he is ordered not to be near Eastern Gate Church.
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