A 28-year-old man was arrested Wednesday after church staff found him inside the Lifeline Southern Baptist Church in Southside shortly before a scheduled evening service, according to an affidavit filed by the Independence County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies said church members called authorities on Jan. 14 after discovering a man later identified as Austin Lynn Passmore inside the building. Staff told investigators they found Passmore after entering the church for night service.
According to the affidavit, Passmore is accused of forcing entry through a rear door using a pry bar. Deputies said they recovered food and money Passmore had collected inside the building.
Passmore told deputies he broke in because he needed food and a shower, the affidavit states.
He was arrested at the scene and charged with commercial burglary, a Class D felony, and theft of property, a Class C misdemeanor, according to the report. Authorities said Passmore is being charged as a habitual offender based on more than four prior felony convictions.
Passmore was booked into jail and is being held on $50,000 bond.
Image: Independence County Sheriff’s Office
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