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Woman Breaks Into South Carolina Churches, Taking Child With Her

A Lexington County woman faces multiple charges after signing her child out of school, then taking the child with her as she broke into four churches in Gilbert. Investigators say…

Leslie Reese

Lexington County Woman ‘s Child With Her as She Allegedly Broke into Churches

A Lexington County woman faces multiple charges after signing her child out of school, then taking the child with her as she broke into four churches in Gilbert.

Investigators say 42-year-old Leslie Reese is accused of breaking into the churches, including Gilbert United Methodist Church, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bethel United Methodist Church and Samaria Baptist Church.  Security cam footage showed her breaking a window to get inside the buildings.  She reportedly took various items including candles, a cross and Christmas decorations.  "A book bag containing a folder belonging to Reese's child was found inside Samaria Baptist," according to Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon.

A news release from the Lexington County Sheriff's Office says there was no motive for the burglaries.  It's not known if Reese attempted to get money for the stolen items.

She has been charged with four counts of third-degree burglary and one count of unlawful conduct toward a child.

Reese has posted bond and has been released from the Lexington County Detention Center.

Mary Liz is the News Director and Co-Host of Augusta’s Morning News on WGAC. She spent 11 years as a News Director at an Indiana Radio Station. She has also worked as a former Police and Courts Reporter for The Republic Newspaper and Assistant Marketing Director of Merchants National Bank in Indianapolis. Mary Liz focuses most on local breaking news stories, feature stories on upcoming events, or community-service related organizations and the people who serve them. She has been with WGAC since 1995.