One of the four people arrested in association with the burglary and damage to local churches is off to prison in another case that go back to 2008.

24-year-old Justin Branscom had been convicted for the fires at Alexander’s Jewelry and a home at 629 East 7th. He was sentenced to 24-months for each count and then granted 24-months community corrections. 

District Attorney Keith Schroeder argued that in light of the allegations in the church burglaries, that the sentence in the arson case should be executed, while the defense argued for another sanction and then another shot on corrections. Judge Joe McCarville had granted a 60-day sanction in the arson case back in 2010 for other corrections violations, mainly because Branscom had no prior criminal history at that time. But, he denied the request for another chance this time. He also owes over 300-hundred thousand dollars in restitution in the arson case.

Branscom was also bound over on the charges of four counts of burglary, one count of attempted burglary and one count of criminal damage to property. He’s alleged to have been involved in the burglary on July 22 of the Crossroads Christian Church, three burglaries on July 23, including Trinity United Methodist Church, First Congregational Church, and the attempted break in at First Baptist Church. Then he’s accused of being involved in the break in at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, that was on July 27. That included damage at that church which included the windows, carpet, decorations, dishes, a computer monitor and drywall.

Police Detective Jamie Schoenhoff testified that Branscom pretty much admitted his involvement in the church crimes.

He’ll be arraigned on the burglary charges on October 1, in front of Judge Trish Rose.

Branscom is one of four arrested in the cases. Others include 19-year-old Jordon Schmucker, 16-year-old Joshua Hickey and Desiree Mahoney.

Although Hickey is a juvenile, his cases are being prosecuted in adult court.