MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A 19-year-old Hialeah woman stands accused of causing $10,000 worth of damage at a church by destroying Christmas decorations and breaking windows, authorities said.
Police officers arrested Marie Falconer after she was accused of vandalizing the Martin Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Center, also known as The Purple Church, at 14741 Lincoln Blvd., just south of Kendall.
Victoria Bonitto was among the church members who had volunteered to create the church’s Winter Wonderland for the kids.
“They were completely torn apart torn down — reindeer and snowman and Santa,” Bonitto said about the decorations. “It’s just disheartening.”
A witness reported the Christmas Grinch damaged the church’s winter land-themed decor and even picked up bricks and threw them at the church’s windows.
“They were not in their right mind,” Rev. Anthony Reed said about the vandals who have targeted their holiday decorations. “When we talk about good versus evil, there is evil out there and it targets good places.”
Falconer is facing a criminal mischief charge and a judge ordered her to stay away from the property. Her bond was set at $5,000.
Meanwhile, Bonitto hopes they will recover for their grand opening on Dec. 1. For more information about how to help, call 786-232-3848 or 305-251-6232.