He is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday.
Credit: Montgomery County Jail
Credit: Montgomery County Jail
On Feb. 29, Montgomery County sheriff’s deputies responded to the 3600 block of Wager Ford Road on a report of a person throwing rocks at the former church. The building has been converted into two apartments and a photography studio.
Deputies found Griggs at the scene, as well as extensive damage to the building.
Multiple windows were broken, including antique stained glass windows, and equipment, furniture and other property was damaged, according to a Vandalia Municipal Court affidavit.
Small decorative items were reportedly thrown onto the lawn, and a vehicle in the parking lot had its windshield and windows smashed.
Griggs told deputies he broke into the building and destroyed the items because he heard a woman screaming and didn’t find anyone inside, according to municipal court records.
He previously pleaded guilty to misdemeanor desecration charge involving the Willow View Cemetery next to the former church. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail. He received 12 days credit and had 78 days suspended and one year of non-reporting probation.
He also was ordered to stay away from the cemetery, to complete outpatient treatment and to commit no further crimes, according to a sentencing document.
Griggs is being held on a $50,000 bond in the Montgomery County Jail.
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