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By TONY MARRERO
lmarrero@hernandotoday.com
BROOKSVILLE – Two teens were arrested Thursday night in connection with a string of church burglaries in Hernando County.
Christopher C. Preeper, 17, of 17111 Akins Drive in the Pasco County portion of Spring Hill, was charged with three counts of burglary, according Deputy Donna Black, spokeswoman for the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.
Michael C. Williams, 18, of 15189 Shoshone Trail, Brooksville, was charged with seven counts of burglary, one for each church.
A tip first led investigators to Preeper, Black said.
Both teens gave investigators consent to search their homes. Investigators recovered several items taken from the churches, including a drum set, guitar, and a camcorder.
The teens were taken to Hernando County Jail. Preeper was released to a parent, according to jail officials. Williams was being held on $35,000 bond.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing and they expect to make more arrests.
A man identifying himself as Preeper answered the phone at the Akins Street home Wednesday morning.
Preeper said he acted as a lookout during three burglaries one night last week. He said he had been drinking and that Williams threatened him when he tried to bow out of the heists.
Preeper, who said he attended Hudson High School, said he has been “sick to his stomach†since that night.
“Honest to God I would like to go back to those churches and apologize because I feel really guilty for what I’ve done,†Preeper said.
Pastor Richard Lupton of Brooksville Church of the Nazarene said his church was fortunate, losing just $10 in cash and some documents from the church safe.
He had a suggestion for the teens’ punishment.
“I would encourage the judge to include in their probation that they attend Sunday school for a year to give them more appreciation for what goes on in the church,†Lupton said.
Reporter Tony Marrero can be contacted at 544-5286.
I personally think what these boys did is wrong and stupid. I have known Chris Preeper for years and I never in my wildest dreams have ever thought that he would drop to this stupid of a degree, this is really a new low and I am now ashamed to know Chris. These boys should have the maximum sentence for these burglaries, and replace everything the they damaged in the robberies.
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Posted by Pastor Wes Harris, 235 Cobblestone Drive, Spring Hill, Fl. 34606 on 06/30 at 06:38 PM
Our prayers go out for parents with broken hearts over their sons’ actions. On behalf of Calvary Church of the Nazarene, forgiveness has already been extended to these young men. Unfortunately the consequences of their actions will mark their lives for years to come.
Pastor Wes Harris
senior pastor