Sheriff: Vandals target Cherokee County church

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - An Acworth church is attempting to clean up the damages after an act of vandalism and robbery Monday morning.

Cherokee County Sheriff's deputies said someone or a group of people broke into the Faith Family Church on the Bells Ferry Road and stole a cash from a secured tithe box.

"It may have been about $200 or so, but the damage they caused by breaking 17 windows costs even more. It's frustrating and it was vindictive and I feel like it could be people who might be familiar with the church," said Faith Family Center Lead Pastor Donald Sanglimbene.

The vandals broke multiple windows, turned over furniture, broke lights, and spray-painted images on the church's walls.

In photos supplied by the Cherokee County Sheriff, the walls are seen spray-painted with the phrase "Hail Satan," "Jesus sux," a reference to the Ghost Face Gangsters and a swastika.

"There was significant damage, so we need people to come forward and say who did this. It looks like the work of youngsters just based on the kinds of destruction they caused and the inappropriate graffiti," said Cherokee County Sheriff Spokesman Jay Baker.

Cherokee County detectives are currently following up on leads, but they say they do not know who the suspects are.

"Whoever did this will be charged with a felony when they are caught," said Baker.

Anyone with information on the vandalism, please 911 or detectives at 770-928-0239.

"We hold no grudges. We just hope these people will get their lives turned around before they keep going in this direction and end up in and out of jail," said Sanglimbene, who has served at Family Faith Church for four years.