A bronze Sacred Heart of Jesus statue outside St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in East Islip was found decapitated on Friday night, jolting parishioners who were gathering for First Communion and other weekend services. Suffolk County police say they have now arrested a 41-year-old woman after a multi-day investigation into the vandalism. The suspect faces a charge of second-degree criminal mischief and is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in Central Islip.
Police And Arrest
Detectives from the Suffolk County Police Hate Crimes Unit led the probe and located the suspect early Wednesday. According to Suffolk County Police, the arrest happened outside an address in Bay Shore at about 6:39 a.m., and the woman was later booked at the Fourth Precinct. Police say the damage to the statue at St. Mary’s was first reported on May 15 at approximately 11:15 p.m.
At The Scene
Families arriving for First Communion preparations on Sunday morning realized something was wrong when they saw the statue’s head missing. Father Anthony Iaconis told News12 Long Island that he later found the severed head hidden in nearby bushes. In the days that followed, parishioners left flowers and handwritten notes at the statue’s base, and volunteers along with local supporters quickly offered to help cover repair costs. Iaconis urged the congregation to respond with prayer rather than anger, asking parishioners to pray for the person responsible and to remain calm despite the shock.
Diocese, Donations And A Warning About Scammers
The Diocese of Rockville Centre publicly voiced concern and said the wider Catholic community stands with St. Mary’s. At the parish level, church leaders posted a warning after reports that scammers had begun soliciting donations in the wake of the vandalism. Greater Long Island recorded the pastor’s reminder that people should ignore unsolicited fundraising messages and donate only through official parish channels. Local groups were also reported to have chipped in to help with repairs. One outlet said the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association and the Good Foundation each donated $1,000, as reported by The New York Post.
What The Charge Means
The woman has been charged with second-degree criminal mischief. Under New York Penal Law §145.10, criminal mischief in the second degree is classified as a class D felony. Police also noted that a criminal charge is an accusation, and that any defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
How To Help Or Report Tips
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS, according to News12 Long Island. The upcoming arraignment in First District Court in Central Islip is expected to move the case forward, and authorities say they will release updates as they become available.
