The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on April 24 on suspect Jacob Abernathy, 29, of Farmington, Missouri, 63640, for institutional vandalism and first-degree property damage.

Abernathy is being held on $25,000, cash only, no 10% bond.   

The charges are merely accusations. Abernathy is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

According to a probable cause statement, Abernathy threw a rock through a window, shattering it, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 2761 Telegraph Road, on April 23. He was captured on the church’s video surveillance. 

Abernathy then left the scene, damaging the windows of other businesses while walking northbound on Telegraph Road. He was then located by police due to his clothing, as it was the same clothing that appeared in the church’s surveillance video. Abernathy admitted to the damage and was taken to jail, though he was released the same day. 

After he was released, Abernathy went to Value City, 7077 Chippewa Street, and threw two rocks through the large front window of the business. He was located nearby, still in the same clothing, and again admitted to the damages. 

Damages at both locations are over $750. 

Officers from the St. Louis County Police Department South County Precinct are handling this investigation.