Two people allegedly connected to a string of church burglaries in Camas and Washougal appeared in Clark County Superior Court on Tuesday.
Alexander W. Sampson, 27, of Washougal faces allegations of second-degree burglary, two counts of second-degree theft and trafficking in stolen property. He’s suspected of burglarizing at least four churches, each on a different night, between April 28 and May 14, according to police.
The four churches are the Church of the Nazarene, 2204 N.E. Birch St., Christian Life Church, 1302 N.E. Garfield St., St. John’s Presbyterian, 1206 N.E. Birch St., all in Camas, and Gateway Community Church, 1235 E St., Washougal.
A second suspect, Daniel A. Schrader, 51, of Camas, faces allegations of trafficking in stolen property, second-degree possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine and possession of heroin with the intent to deliver.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Superior Court, Sampson told police that he stole electronics, musical instruments, money, Bibles and other miscellaneous items from the churches. He said he gave some of the stolen property to Schrader in exchange for heroin.
Camas and Washougal detectives, who investigated, say they anticipate additional arrests.
Washougal Police Department Sgt. Zane Freschette located Sampson early Saturday morning and interviewed him in connection with an unrelated theft investigation. Sampson allegedly stole a motorcycle and automotive and construction tools. During the interview, he apparently admitted to burglarizing the Gateway Community Church and several other churches in the area, according to court documents. Sampson told police that he has a serious drug problem and traded and pawned the stolen items for drugs or money. He was reportedly on his way to Schrader’s residence to get more heroin at the time of his arrest, according to court records.
Schrader was arrested Saturday afternoon at his home.
Police searched Sampson’s home and reportedly recovered some of the alleged stolen property. They said that several stolen items had already been returned to the Gateway Community Church since the burglary. Sampson also helped officers recover other items, including the motorcycle, according to the affidavit.
Additional incident
In addition to this case, Sampson also is accused of stealing aluminum baking sheets and racks from a Washougal business in December. The value of the alleged stolen items was estimated at $1,500, court records state.
During their Tuesday hearings, both men were appointed attorneys to represent them.
Judge Gregory Gonzales ordered Sampson remain in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail. He set Schrader’s bail at $40,000.
They are scheduled to be arraigned June 9.
Anyone with additional information about the church burglaries should contact Washougal Detective Perry Houts at 360-835-8701 or Camas Detective Brie Bieber at 360-834-4151.
