A woman has been arrested in connection with the destruction of a Sacred Heart statue at St. Mary’s Church in East Islip, Suffolk County Police announced Wednesday.
Police said Deyonna Subert, 41, who is listed as undomiciled, was arrested Wednesday morning following an investigation by Suffolk County Police Hate Crimes Unit detectives.
According to police, the statue of Jesus at St. Mary’s Church, located at 118 East Main St., was damaged on May 15 at approximately 11:15 p.m.
The arrest comes days after parish officials said the church’s Sacred Heart statue had been beheaded, shocking parishioners and the surrounding East Islip community.
Police said Subert was arrested outside 221 West Main Street in Bay Shore at approximately 6:39 a.m. Wednesday.
She has been charged with Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree.
Authorities said Subert was being held overnight at the Fourth Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday, May 21, at First District Court in Central Islip.
The investigation was handled by Suffolk County Police Hate Crimes Unit detectives.
In a message shared with parishioners following the vandalism, Fr. Anthony thanked the community for its support and prayers after the statue was damaged.
“Thank you to everyone who has shown concern and support following the damage to our Sacred Heart Statue,” he wrote. “Your prayers, messages, and kindness have meant a great deal to our parish community.”
The church also warned residents about apparent scams connected to the incident.
“I have been informed that some people are receiving emails and phone calls soliciting donations to replace the statue,” Fr. Anthony wrote. “Please note that St. Mary’s has not launched any such fundraising campaign.”
He urged anyone wishing to help financially to send contributions directly to St. Mary’s Parish.
Fr. Anthony also asked parishioners to pray “for the person responsible for this act” and for “healing, peace, and conversion to all hearts.”
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Photo: The statue of Jesus in the church courtyard with head intact/Google Maps
