Church Gangs

After months of searching,Police find the suspects wanted for robbing a number of area churches. Five people have been arrested in connection to a church robbery ring in Southwest Missouri. Barry County Police have been investigating a series of at least 20 break-ins of rural churches in Barry and Lawrence counties. The break-ins began two months ago. Police say the suspects entered each of the churches in the same manner by throwing a rock through a window. Once inside the suspects stole money, food and musical instruments and vandalized the property. Today, a press conference was held in Lawrence County to announce that five suspects had been taken into custody. 19-year-old Kenneth Sparks and 18-year-old David Sparks are charged with second degree burglary. 17-year old Jeremy Donahoo and 19-year old Jimmie Reavis are facing similar charges in the church robberies. 36-year old Rayni Lyon is being charged with receiving stolen merchandise. All five suspects are being held with a seventy thousand dollar bond. Sheriff Epperly says when the investigation is complete. He expects each of the suspects to face additional charges. Reported By: Jennifer Grannan