State police have arrested two Central Bridge men-one of whom they say wore a devil mask to conceal his identity-in the January 27 break-in at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Roger Graham, 18, was arrested on February 4 and charged with third-degree burglary.
He was arraigned in Town of Cobleskill Court and sent to the Schoharie County Jail.
Justin Pethick, 26, and on parole, was arrested on February 20, and also charged with third-degree burglary.
Troopers said information gathered during the investigation indicated that Mr. Pethick wore a devil mask during the burglary at the Central Bridge church to conceal his identity.
Mr. Pethick was additionally charged with petit larceny, a misdemeanor, stemming from a complaint made by Apple Food and Grocery, Route 7, Central Bridge, where he was accused of stealing tobacco and cigarettes while employed there, and with unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation.
He too was arraigned in Town of Cobleskill Court and sent to the Schoharie County Jail.
Members of the congregation discovered the burglary and an estimated $18,000 worth of damage to doors, cabinets, and locks early the morning of January 27 after someone forced their way into the church, stealing about $160 and two backpacks from Boy Scout Troop 46, which is chartered by the church and has a storage room there, as well as about $40 from the Family History Center.
In the wake of the incident, the Central Bridge congregation reached out to the thief-or thieves-welcoming them to services and offering to help them with food or in finding a job.
The State Police were assisted during the investigation by the State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and the Schoharie County District Attorney's Office.