Arrests made after Attica church vandalized

Attica, Ohio — The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting a breaking & entering incident at the New Mount Zion Old Regular Baptist Church on Feb. 10, 2023, at 8:23 a.m.

The deputies arrived at the scene and found that the church had been entered, and significant damage was caused to the chapel area.

After conducting a thorough investigation, the investigating deputy identified the suspects involved in the incident.

Ashton Sampson, an 18-year-old, was apprehended and charged with criminal trespassing, criminal damaging, and breaking & entering. Additionally, five juveniles between the ages of 12 and 15 were charged with the incident and referred to the Seneca County Juvenile Court for further legal procedures.

Sheriff Fred Stevens expressed his concerns about the rising vandalism cases in the society. “There may be an abundance of unexplained reasons for the misbehavior of vandals, who are mainly young people, but the willful destruction or damaging of property is a crime,” he said.