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numerous charges

18-year-old, other youth charged in connection to church mischief across central Alberta

Feb 28, 2023 | 4:45 PM

An 18-year-old from Ponoka County, plus a young offender, have been charged in relation to the vandalism of multiple central Alberta churches.

RCMP say it was on Feb. 13, 2023 when members from Bashaw detachment received a report from St. Michael’s Catholic (and Hungarian) Church that it had burned down that evening.

When RCMP arrived, it was a total loss, they say.

Since January this year, Ponoka, Bashaw and Wetaskiwin RCMP have responded to multiple reports about churches being the target of mischief.

That includes a rock being thrown through a window, and entry being gained followed by significant damage being done to the interior. RCMP believe all or some of these incidents involve the same suspects.

In recent weeks, local residents distributed photos of the suspects during a community meeting held in response to the incidents, and during said meeting, suspects were identified, police note.

On Feb. 14, two suspects turned themselves in to Bashaw RCMP and admitted their involvement in all incidents, RCMP go on to say.

None of the following charges have been proven in court, however.

The young offender, as well as Cameron Moses Wright, 18, are charged with one count of arson, 13 counts of mischief, and 10 counts of break and enter.

Wright was released to appear April 13 in Stettler provincial court. The young offender was also released to appear on April 11, also in Stettler.

RCMP say, “At this time there is no evidence to suggest that these crimes were politically or ideologically motivated.”