Two Arrested After Church Burglaries
- C. Snow, PIO
- May 30, 2023
- 1 min read
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.


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