On Thursday, March 5 a Jones County Sheriff Department deputy notified Ellisville police officers of a suspicious vehicle behind Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. When officers arrived, they observed a silver passenger car stuck in the mud behind the church. Officers also saw that a window to the church had been broken out and evidence that the vehicle was involved.
Lieutenant Scott Wuertz processed the scene and found further evidence that the two individuals in the vehicle were responsible for the break-in. Reverend Carl Sanders, pastor for Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, was notified, and he assisted police in the investigation. It was found that other offices inside of the church had been gone through, and some items were missing from inside of the church.
Jaquan Rashad Tillman 19, and Javion Rashad Tillman 19, of Laurel, were arrested at the scene. The two are charged with burglary to a church. They went before Judge David Lyons today for their initial appearance. The judge set their bond at $10,000 each. The accused are twins.
Burglary to a church carries an enhanced penalty. These individuals will be facing up to 15 years in prison if found guilty of the charge.
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