Man who vandalized Catholic church in north Wichita is sentenced to 34 months
The man convicted of vandalizing St. Patrick Catholic Church in north Wichita in March has been sentenced to 34 months in prison, according to a news release from the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.
Michael Angel Gonzalez, 23, pleaded guilty in July to burglary, criminal desecration, misdemeanor theft and misdemeanor criminal damage to property. Gonzalez caused more than $40,000 worth of damage at the church after he broke in on March 15, including burning an American flag, toppling and destroying a statue of St. Patrick, knocking holes in drywall, scrawling “satanisgod.org” on a pillar and breaking windows, glass frames and candles, a probable cause affidavit says.
Police found his fingerprints and blood at the scene, 2007 N. Arkansas. He was arrested at a Wichita homeless shelter the next day.
“The sentencing marks the culmination of the prosecution phase of the case, ensuring accountability and justice for the harm caused to the historic church and its congregation,” the DA’s office said in the news release.
Sedgwick County District Judge Tyler Roush handed down the sentence Friday.
Contributing: Michael Stavola of The Wichita Eagle
