Woman Accused Of Stealing Christmas Ornaments, Crosses From Church — All With A Child In Tow

A woman is accused of breaking into South Carolina churches and stealing Christmas ornaments and crosses, all with her child in tow, police said.

On Dec. 7, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department in South Carolina announced that deputies arrested Leslie Reese, 42.

She was charged with four counts of third-degree burglary and unlawful conduct toward a child.

“After reviewing security cam footage at Gilbert United Methodist Church, property crimes investigators confirmed Reese broke into Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Gilbert United Methodist Church,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon stated. “The security cam footage showed Reese breaking a window to get into both churches and taking various items such as a cross, candles and Christmas ornaments.”

Investigators said Reese also broke into another church.

Police said that Reese had a child with her while she committed the alleged crimes.

“Reese signed her child out of school and took the child with her to break into churches and take things,” Koon said. “A book bag containing a folder belonging to Reese’s child was found inside Samaria Baptist.”