Update On Sardis Church Vandalism

Plaque is now in possession of Winston County Sheriff

Three adults and one minor were determined to be involved in the vandalism of the historic Sardis Church in Winston County last week. The suspects have been identified and confessed to the crime on Friday.

A 9 mm handgun used in the act and the historic plaque taken from the structure have been recovered. The investigation is ongoing related to another act of vandalism that occurred at Nanih Waiya Attendance Center. As a result of the ongoing investigation, names of the suspects are being held until all parties involved have been identified. The suspects are ages nineteen, twenty and twenty-one years of age and a juvenile.

"It looks like a case of alcohol and poor judgement." said Sheriff Jason Pugh. “Vandalism in our rural areas is always a problem but vandalism to a church and a historic structure will not be tolerated.”

Pugh indicated that a large number of tips came into his office and thanked the public for their cooperation and assistance.

Pugh expects to meet with church officials later this week and the suspects will be arraigned in Justice Court in Winston County on July 25.