Two Arrested After Church Burglaries

The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports of church burglaries occurring on May 26th and May 27th. Subjects vandalized and destroyed property, broke windows, stole items and/or damaged doors at the following churches:

-Reedy Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church

-Cedar Grove Baptist Church

-Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

-New Prospect Baptist Church

The subjects were identified as Jesse James Hawkins of Gray Court and Sierra Lynn Smith of Laurens. They were charged as follows:

Jesse James Hawkins (arrested 5/29)- Three counts of Burglary 2nd, four counts of Malicious Injury to Place of Worship, Larceny, and Arson.

Sierra Lynn Smith (arrested 5/28)- Three counts of Burglary 2nd, four counts of Malicious Injury to Place of Worship, Larceny, and Arson.

“We are very thankful to have these twisted individuals charged in a timely manner with the terrible crimes committed. They’ve already stood before one judge. The fact is, they will stand before the ultimate Judge one day. I surely commend the work of the Deputies involved in these arrests.” – Sheriff Don Reynolds

This is still an active investigation, and more charges are possible. If you have any information, contact us at 864-984-4967, report anonymously to CrimeStoppers (864-68-CRIME or p3tips.com) or visit our website www.laurenscountysheriff.org/tips.