Deyonna Subert, 41, was charged with second-degree criminal mischief in connection with damage to a Sacred Heart of Jesus statue at St. Mary’s Church in East Islip last Friday.
“After an investigation by Hate Crimes Unit detectives, Deyonna Subert was arrested outside of 221 West Main Street in Bay Shore at 6:39 a.m.,” Suffolk County Police said in a press release.
St. Mary’s pastor Father Anthony Iaconis told News12 the vandalism took place near an auditorium where children had recently gathered for first communions.
“Across the way into the auditorium, we had first communions and this is where the kids come and they take their picture,” Iaconis said.
The pastor said he later found the statue’s head in nearby bushes.
“I think everyone would be upset by it,” parishioner Regina Vavricka told the outlet.
“Whether you belong to this parish or not, or whether you’re Catholic or Jewish, it doesn’t really matter.”
Iaconis said many people had begun donating to help repair the statue and that it was expected to be fixed within days.
“Yeah, it’s a terrible thing,” he added. “I just ask people to pray for the person who did this. It’s not right, but we can still pray for them.”
The incident was investigated by detectives from the department’s Hate Crimes Unit.
“A criminal charge is an accusation,” Suffolk County Police added. “A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”