TROUT RIVER — Four Constable juveniles allegedly burglarized a church and damaged religious items there Nov. 10.
One defendant is 12 years old, two are 14, and one is 15.
The juveniles, whose names were not released by police, broke into St. Bridget Oratory, said State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Investigator Miranda LeBrake, who is stationed in Malone.
The oratory, located in the Town of Constable hamlet of Trout River, is part of the Catholic Community of Westville, Constable and Trout River.
The four youths damaged religious statues, crucifixes and a religious staff, LeBrake said, and set off at least one fire extinguisher.
Nothing was taken from the church, as far as investigation has shown, she said.
The caretaker of the oratory discovered the damage on Nov. 13 and reported it to police.
“He just went to check on the church,” LeBrake said.
The youths were each charged with third-degree burglary, a felony.
They were taken into custody by police at the Malone State Police barracks between Nov. 21 and Dec. 11 and released on appearance tickets.
The case was given to Family Court, LeBrake said.
The burglary was still under investigation, she said.
Contacted by the Press-Republican, Franklin County Family Court would not release information on whether juveniles are in the system in regard to the burglary, so it could not be ascertained whether the four youths have been deemed youthful offenders.
Calls to the Catholic Community of Westville, Constable and Trout River weren’t returned.
Email Felicia Krieg: fkrieg@pressrepublican.com
