By Baptist Message staff
GREENWELL SPRINGS, La. (LBM) — An individual was arrested, Sept. 1, for the alleged vandalism of a Denham Springs and two Greenwell Springs Baptist churches on Labor Day.
According to WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge, Jimmie J Mouton Jr., 24, was arrested for institutional vandalism.
Mouton allegedly spray painted similar obscene words on the front doors of the worship center at Greenwell Springs Baptist Church around 12:30 am and also on the outside of the worship center at Indian Mound Baptist Church around 12:45 a.m. Sept. 1. He also allegedly did the same at Lockhart Road Baptist Church, an Independent Baptist church in Denham Springs, according to the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, which was dispatched to the church around 11 a.m. Sept. 1.
WBRZ reported that arrest documents showed that Mouton admitted to vandalizing three to four religious buildings, but was not sure exactly how many.
The investigators used surveillance footage to identify his Toyota Camry and arrested him at an address connected to the vehicle’s license plate. EBRSO deputies discovered the can of spray paint in Mouton’s car after he told them where it was located.
Greenwell Springs Baptist Church Senior Pastor Oren Conner told the Baptist Message that 10 members from the church responded quickly and helped repaint the doors.
“I preached on persecution from Mark 6 on Sunday morning and it’s interesting this happened early the next morning,” Conner said. “In the big picture it’s a minor thing but it’s always concerning when it happens to your church. We are thankful so many from our church came to help repaint the doors so quickly.”
Dwayne Rogers, pastor with Indian Mound Baptist Church, said nine members from his church came out and helped pressure wash the obscene words off the building. However, Rogers said further clean up will be required.
“We’re disappointed this happened but know this is the society in which we live today,” Rogers said. “More and more people seem to be taking out their frustration on churches. Pray for whoever did this and for the darkness that seems to be so prevalent in our society today. Even with this, we are blessed in so many ways.”
