5 LDS buildings are targets of vandals

SOUTH JORDAN — Five incidents of church vandalism over the weekend have detectives from at least two agencies investigating a possible hate crime, and federal authorities are expected to be called.

"We do believe this is clearly a hate crime, as opposed to standard vandalism, and we will be contacting federal authorities," said Salt Lake County Sheriff's Lt. Don Hutson.

Large rocks were thrown into the glass front doors at three buildings belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South Jordan and two in Riverton. Most of the rocks heavily damaged the windows but did not go all the way through them.

Wrapped around each rock was a note secured with a black elastic band that stated, "Stop spreading your lies, pagan!" said South Jordan Police Lt. Dan Starks.

"Absolutely we have to look at (it being a hate crime)," he said. "When you've got three in our city and two in the other, you have to be looking at possible hate-crime enhancements. They're practically identical incidents."

All of the South Jordan incidents were between 10000 South and 11800 South, and west of 4000 West.

One of the ward houses was hosting a dance Saturday night, Starks said. The doors were locked about midnight. The first vandalism was discovered when people arrived at 7 a.m. Sunday to get the building ready for church services.

Anyone with information on the vandalism can call police at 801-840-4000 or 801-743-7000.

— Pat Reavy