Long Island Woman Arrested After Statue Damage at Catholic Church

A Long Island woman was arrested last week after police say she damaged a statue of Jesus at a Catholic church in East Islip. m. on May 15, Deyonna Subert, 41, damaged the statue at St. Mary’s Church in Bay Shore, according to Suffolk County police.

m. She is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on May 21. The incident was investigated as a hate crimes incident by detectives.

Church Response St.

Mary’s pastor, Father Anthony Iaconis, told News12 he discovered the statue’s severed head in bushes on the church grounds. It remains unclear how it was removed. The statue, which had stood on the property for about 12 years, is still in place, covered by a tarp, while community members have placed flowers at its base.

On May 18, the church posted a statement on Facebook thanking parishioners and supporters for their outpouring of concern. The post asked that any donations be directed to St. Mary’s Parish for statue replacement efforts and called for prayer for the person responsible.

Subert’s attorney told NBC4 there are no allegations that the incident constitutes a hate crime. Suffolk County police did not respond to a request for additional comment.