Area church targeted again by crime

Hopkinton, R.I. (WPRI) - For the second time in a year, an Ashaway church is the target of crime.

Last March vandals caused more than $150,000 worth of damage to the Babcock Presbyterian Church.

No arrests were ever made in the case, but this time around a different outcome.

Police arrested 22-year old Robert Tisoskey, accused of breaking into the church in January.

He is charged with breaking and entering and malicious damage.

Though the burglar got away with nothing, the church is still working to repair a smashed window.

"I really perceived it as a crime of desperation.  It was someone who is having a rough time and needing some cash, or needing something," Reverand Marilyn McNaught tells Eyewitness News.

The pastor doesn't believe this latest crime and the previous one are related.

She believes it was just a crime of opportunity and unfortunate.

"We're not a church that has money.  We have nothing valuable in our building so its not really a crime that makes sense," said McNaught.

Police say Tisosky was arraigned and released on $10,000 personal recognizance.

He is due back in court later this month.

The pastor says the church harbors no ill will toward the suspect.