NEW LEBANON, N.Y. - In late July, State Police in New Lebanon reported the arrests of two local juveniles for vandalizing and stealing from the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes at the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception.
The shrine on Route 20 in New Lebanon has been vandalized again, this time more violently.
In the overnight hours of August 25th, 126 glass candle holders were smashed and over 200 candles were stomped into the stone floor of the shrine.
Following leads, Trooper Nicholas Lombardi identified 23-year-old Joseph Merriam of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, as the culprit.
Merriam was arrested the evening of Friday, September 7th, for Criminal Mischief in the 3rd Degree.
He was arraigned in the New Lebanon Town Court and was sent to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.
Merriam will return to the New Lebanon Court on September 12th.
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