By Joe Bachman

A 34-year-old man has been charged with burglary and criminal damage after police say he broke into a church and damaged property.

Shane Skoglund, of Wisconsin Rapids, is charged with burglary and criminal damage to religious property. According to police reports, on Mar. 11, 2016 at approximately 3:14 a.m., officers were dispatched to a church on the 600 block of Cook Ave. regarding a tripped motion alarm indicating a possible break-in.

When officers arrived, they observed that the window next to the main entry doors had been smashed. Officers entered the church and announced themselves, as well as ordered the person inside of the church to come to the front door.

After making contact with Skoglund, he allegedly told officers that the window glass had already been broken before entering, and he went inside to make sure everything was okay. Skoglund then changed his story shortly after, stating his broke the window, but only go to inside and worship. According to Skoglund, he understood he was trespassing.

If convicted, Skoglund faces up to 12 years imprisonment and up to $25,000 in fines. At the time of the incident, Skoglund was on bail for disorderly conduct, and was not to commit any further crimes.

Future court dates are pending schedule.