NEILLSVILLE, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – The man accused of vandalizing a Clark County Church has been identified.
Neillsville police said Seth Meier of Lublin confessed to going into St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Thursday night where he damaged statues and wall hangings.
Meier was found at a home in Neillsville. The homeowner told police that Meier admitted to vandalizing the church and had been acting strangely for the past five days, even speaking in a demonic voice. She said Seth and his brother, Tyler, had been talking in verse and talking about religion a lot.
Police believe Meier was under the influence of drugs. He was taken to the hospital to be checked out. While there, police said he continued to speak in a demonic voice and said he tried to “destroy the insolent temple”.
Meier said he blessed the altar with snow. When asked how he blessed it, the criminal complaint states Meier said “I dumped some snow on the altar and I said I bless you satan in the name of Jesus Christ.” He went on to say he damaged a cross because it was not really Jesus. He said he left the church after “the father” told him to.
Meier is charged with burglary and criminal damage to religious property. He faces up to 16 years in jail if convicted.
