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A second suspect, Jeffrey Youngblood, has been arrested in connection with multiple burglaries at Bethel AME Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Youngblood, 39, was charged on Sunday (April 13) following incidents that occurred on April 1 and April 2, where he and Nathan Johnson, 48, allegedly caused over $100,000 in damages.
The burglaries involved the theft of copper wiring, air conditioning systems, microwaves, and a water pump from the church, located at 1721 North Fifth Street. The damage was so extensive that the church had to cancel its in-person Easter services. According to police, Youngblood was identified as a suspect after being seen on surveillance video pushing a wheelchair and a red suitcase, which was later found to contain wire cutting tools.
Youngblood denied entering the church, claiming he was only helping Johnson, who had hurt his foot. However, police say footage from the church lobby on April 1 shows Youngblood inside the building, wearing the same clothes as when he was seen at a nearby gas station earlier that day.
Both Youngblood and Johnson face multiple charges, including burglary, theft by unlawful taking, and institutional vandalism of a place of worship. Johnson was arrested last week and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 22.
The church is seeking to raise $180,000 to cover the repair costs. As the investigation continues, Youngblood remains in custody, and police are preparing for upcoming court proceedings.