Utah men now charged with 40 felonies in connection to massive church burglary spree

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — New charges have emerged in connection to the September burglary spree of over 20 church buildings throughout Salt Lake and Utah counties.

According to documents released Wednesday, a third individual, Malachi Scott Guttierrez, 18, was charged with 13 felony charges related to the alleged burglaries. The other two suspects in this case were also charged in Salt Lake County in addition to the charges they face in Utah County.

MORE INFO: Men charged in Utah County in connection to a string of LDS church burglaries

Lee Pierce Baker, 20, and Daxton Layne Rushworth, 18, were previously charged in Utah County with 27 felonies related to burglary and property damage, along with six misdemeanors. They have since been charged in Salt Lake County with 12 additional counts of burglary and one count of felony property damage.

With these new charges, Baker and Rushworth are now facing 40 felonies connected to the church break-ins. Guttierrez has only been charged in Salt Lake County.

Story continues

TRENDING NOW

LATEST LOCAL NEWS