California man arrested for vandalizing Catholic church
Suspect said the Catholic Church was a fake religion, officials said
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A Colusa, California man was taken into police custody after vandalizing a church in the small community of Colusa, California, located in the Sacramento Valley.
James Stoltenberg, 67, was arrested by police on Oct. 27 after an investigation into the defacing of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
James Stoltenberg was arrested for allegedly defacing the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Colusa, California on Oct. 25, 2022. (CBS KOVR)
Just two days earlier, officers with the Colusa Police Department responded to the church after receiving reports of the vandalism.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}According to reports, Stoltenberg allegedly carved obscenities on the altar, damaged several historic items, and caused over $10,000 worth of damage to the church.
The Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Colusa, California was allegedly vandalized by 67-year-old James Stoltenberg on Oct. 25, 2022. (CBS KOVR)
With help from the Colusa County District Attorney’s office, Stoltenberg was arrested and booked in the Colusa County Jail.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In an interview with KOVR, District Attorney Matthew R. Beauchamp said the vandalism appeared to be targeted toward the Catholic Church, adding that Stoltenberg indicated he believed the Catholic religion is a fake religion.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The investigation into the incident is ongoing.