S.C. woman allegedly brought daughter to steal cross, candles, Christmas ornaments from churches

COLUMBIA, S.C. (TCD) -- A 42-year-old mother was recently arrested and charged after allegedly breaking into a few churches and stealing various items.

According to a news release from the Lexington County Sheriff's Office, Leslie Reese faces charges of third-degree burglary and unlawful conduct toward a child.

In a statement, Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said investigators reviewed security footage and concluded that Reese broke into Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Gilbert United Methodist Church. She was reportedly seen in the footage breaking a window and "taking various items such as a cross, candles and Christmas ornaments."

Reece also allegedly broke into Bethel United Methodist Church.

Koon said Reese brought her child with her during the break-ins and burglaries, and she reportedly "signed her child out of school" to do so. According to the Sheriff's Office, the child's book bag and folder were discovered inside Samaria Baptist.

Reese was reportedly arrested and later released from the Lexington County Detention Center.

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• Gilbert woman charged in church burglaries - Lexington County Sheriff's Office