Two men have been indicted following an investigation into multiple church break-ins, according to the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office.
FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Ohio — A grand jury indicted two men on charges including theft and breaking and entering after they allegedly broke into and stole items at several central Ohio churches.
According to Fairfield County Sheriff Alex Lape, William Whitehead, of Dayton, and Jonathon Schneider, of Lancaster, were charged following a multiweek investigation.
Deputies responded to an incident on March 29 and discovered electronics were stolen from a church. Additional incidents occurred on April 12, during which multiple electronics and musical instruments were reportedly stolen, according to a press release.
Lape said three churches in Fairfield County—New Hope Church, Bible Baptist and St. Paul Lutheran Church—were affected. He added that an additional incident occurred at a church in Madison County, but did not specify which one.
The sheriff’s office obtained surveillance footage showing suspects removing property within the buildings. Investigators then identified a suspect vehicle and discovered that a suspect had pawned stolen property.
Whitehead was taken into custody without incident on April 17.
Schneider was identified by investigators after additional stolen property was recovered. He has not yet been arrested.
A Fairfield County grand jury returned indictments against the suspects on May 5.
Whitehead is charged with the following:
Five counts of breaking and enteringFour counts of possession of criminal tools Two counts of theft, felony of the fifth degreeOne count of weapons under disability One count of receiving stolen propertyTwo counts of theft, first-degree misdemeanor
Schneider is charged with the following:
Two counts of breaking and entering Two counts of possession of criminal tools One count of theft, felony of the fifth degree One count of theft, first-degree misdemeanor
According to the sheriff’s office, a significant amount of property, including electronics and musical instruments, was recovered. The Fairfield County prosecutor may pursue additional charges as the investigation continues.
Lape said more churches may have been targeted and some incidents may be unreported. He encourages church leaders to report any theft as the sheriff’s office builds the case.