Suspect accused of damaging church sign

Shane C. Jochims, 29, New London, is charged with criminal damage to religious property.

On Wednesday, Aug. 24, Waupaca County Deputy Andrew Thorpe was dispatched to Royalton Christian Church in response to a damaged sign. He found a crack across the width of the illuminated sign. The fluorescent bulbs were also cracked.

During the prior week, communications officers reported receiving multiple calls about a suspicious, intoxicated man walking around the area.

The man was identified as Jochims, who had recently moved to Royalton from New London.

According to the criminal complaint, Jochims admitted to punching the sign and his hand was injured.

Jochims reportedly told deputies that he punched the sign because his father had told him to get help at a church.

He said he chose the Royalton church because it was the closest and he does not have a car.

A preliminary breath test indicated a 0.351 blood-alcohol level at the time of his arrest, the complaint says.

Jochims was released from custody on a $1,000 signature bond with the condition that he not consume alcohol.

Criminal damage to religious property is a felony offense. If convicted, Jochims faces up to 3 1/2 years in prison.