Burglary Convictions for All in Church Vandalism
Two adults involved in the vandalism of an LDS church in October of 2014 were sentenced Monday, Jan. 5, after pleading guilty to burglary and theft. A juvenile who was with them has also entered admissions of burglary and theft in juvenile court.
Familiar Signs and Footprints
On Oct. 15, Tristan Joseph Peterson Hirst, Denver Timothy Bell, and an unidentified 17-year-old entered an LDS church in Duchesne County. According to a report from KSL News just after the incident, it was unclear how the three got into the church as there was no sign of forced entry. However, once inside, doors were kicked in, a filing cabinet was forcibly opened, and several areas of the church were defaced with red spray paint and permanent marker. In addition, church medallions, pins, and approximately $500 were also taken.
Within two days, police had tracked down the suspects after one of the Duchesne County sheriff’s deputies recalled seeing the anarchy symbol which had been spray painted in several areas of the church at the home of Hirst. The officer had been to Hirst’s home for a previous investigation. Shoe prints on the scene also matched Hirst’s shoes. After being detained, Hirst confessed and implicated Bell and the 17-year-old of the burglary as well and then told officers where they could retrieve the stolen goods.
Hirst was sentenced to 60 days in jail, and Bell was sentenced to 30 days in jail for burglary and theft. Both men were fined $900 and ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to repair the damage. The 17-year-old also entered admissions in juvenile court to allegations of burglary and theft and will be responsible for a portion of the restitution.
Burglary Can be Very Serious for Juveniles
According to Utah Criminal Code, burglary is defined as entering or remaining unlawfully in any building or portion of a building with intent to commit a felony, theft, assault, sexual battery, lewdness, or voyeurism. While the theft in this case was considered a misdemeanor based on the value of the stolen good, burglary when committed by an adult is considered a third degree felony or even a second degree felony when it occurs in a home.
A juvenile who commits a felony and is over 16 years old can be considered for trial in adult court. If your child has been convicted of burglary—or any other crime—consult with an experienced juvenile defense attorney who will look out for the best interests of your child.
