18 year old convicted to the vandalism of Multiple Central Alberta Churches

St. Michael's Hungarian Church near Bashaw, Alta. was destroyed by fire on Feb. 13, 2023. (Credit: RCMP)

A young man from Ponoka County charged in relation to the vandalism of multiple central Alberta churches this year has been given a two-year Conditional Sentence Order (CSO), followed by six months of probation.

18 year old Cameron Moses Wright was convicted on seven counts of mischief-damage under $5000, in Stettler Court of Justice on Aug. 8, 2023, and was also ordered to pay a total of $1,400 in surcharges, due by Jan. 31, 2024.

RCMP say it was on Feb. 13, 2023, when members from Bashaw detachment received a report from St. Michael’s Catholic (and Hungarian) Church that it had burned down that evening.

When RCMP arrived, it was a total loss, they said.

Since January this year, Ponoka, Bashaw and Wetaskiwin RCMP have responded to multiple reports about churches being the target of mischief.

That includes a rock being thrown through a window, and entry being gained followed by significant damage being done to the interior. RCMP believe all or some of these incidents involve the same suspects.

Earlier this year, Mounties say local residents distributed photos of the suspects during a community meeting held in response to the incidents, and during said meeting, suspects were identified, police note.

On Feb. 14, 2023, two suspects turned themselves in to Bashaw RCMP and admitted their involvement in all incidents.

According to RCMP, a young offender was also charged in the string of incidents and faced counts including arson, mischief, and break and enter.

“At this time there is no evidence to suggest that these crimes were politically or ideologically motivated,” said RCMP at the time.