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A 33-year-old Michigan man has been charged with a hate crime after allegedly vandalizing a Catholic church during a baptism and assaulting the parish priest May 4.
Local outlet Times Herald reported that Robert Beaton vandalized St. Christopher Catholic Church in Marysville by throwing a rock through a window from the outside. When the pastor, Fr. James Arwady, went outside to confront Beaton, he allegedly was assaulted. Times Herald also reported that according to a probable cause affidavit, Beaton made derogatory statements about the Catholic Church during the incident.
Times Herald reported that the affidavit states that Beaton “committed a hate crime by using force and violence against the victim, who was wearing priest attire, and damaged church property.”
The church announced the attack to the parish community in a May 8 Facebook post, stating that “Father James and two parishioners were assaulted by an individual who was observed breaking a stained-glass window at St. Christopher Catholic Church.”
Marysville police later took Beaton into custody, according to the church.
“While specific details cannot be shared due to ongoing legal proceedings, Father James wants to assure everyone that he is recovering well and deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers from our Saint Christopher Parish Family,” the church stated.
“Parish activities and liturgies will continue as scheduled,” the post continued. “As we pray for Father James and our fellow parishioners who were present at this incident, let us also pray for the suspect — that he may experience a conversion of the heart and come to know the healing power of God’s mercy.”
According to Times Herald, Beaton has been charged with ethnic intimidation, malicious destruction of a building and institutional desecration. All charges carry up to five years in prison. He additionally has been charged with the misdemeanors of assault and battery and disturbing the peace.
Times Herald also reported that a previous 2023 conviction for resisting or obstructing a police officer has resulted in a habitual offender enhancement, increasing his potential penalties up to seven-and-a-half years in prison on each charge if he is convicted.
In a May 20 hearing, Beaton reportedly waived his right to a preliminary examination and was bound over to circuit court. His next court appearance has not been scheduled.
