Two Arrested In String Of Church Break-Ins

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

OOLOGAH, OK -- Police arrest two teenagers they say were targeting churches.  Three churches were hit last weekend in Oologah, and thousands of dollars worth of equipment was stolen.

The thieves stole a laptop, musical equipment, and even swiped the offering from one church.  Police tracked down the people they believe are responsible and say the arrests are especially satisfying.

"It's frustrating, but I guess it goes to show you that crime doesn't limit itself to a certain demographic or location, even in a small town," said Pastor David Wheeler with the Oologah United Methodist Church.

Pastor David Wheeler arrived to work last Monday to find that his United Methodist Church had been broken into.  He says the thieves made a beeline for the sanctuary, where they grabbed instruments, including the pastor's own personal Fender guitar.

In two of the churches, the thieves were apparently looking for musical instruments. Both pastors say they actually made off with thousands of dollars of guitars, and other equipment.

Down the road at Oologah Assembly of God, they took more guitars, cymbals and foot pads.  The burglars broke in through the back door and stole a laptop from an office.

"Vandalized and robbed by some people presumably from the community is a little frustrating," said Pastor Kent Jensen with the Oologah Assembly of God.

After chasing down leads for more than a week, Oologah Police arrested two teens from the community on Friday.  Both are 18 years old.  Michael Contti and Jacob Fredenburg face charges of knowingly concealing stolen property after they were found with most of the missing instruments.

"Kind of like icing on the cake.  You arrest the perpetrator, and you get the property.  The perpetrator's the cake.  The property's the icing," said Oologah Police Chief Novale Thompson.

The stolen items will be returned to the churches soon.

Police say burglaries, not to mention ones that target houses of worship, are rare in Oologah, so making these arrests was especially important.

"When they become victims of thieves, it kind of hits a tender spot," said Oologah Police Chief Novale Thompson.

The thieves also broke into the Oologah First Baptist Church.  Police say they stole about $100 from the offering plate there.