NEW LEBANON, N.Y. - Hundreds of people visit the historic shrine of Our Lady of Lordes at the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception each year seeking solace and comfort, but state police say that was not the intention of one vandal who damaged the holy site three weeks ago.
Police say the shrine on Route 20 in New Lebanon has been vandalized again, far worse than earlier, when during 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.
After following leads, state police have arrested 23-year-old Joseph Merriam, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
Merriam was arrested Friday evening for Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree, a
felony. He was arraigned in the New Lebanon Town Court and was sent to
the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.
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