Church Burglary Suspects Charged

07/28/10, Brenda Jones reported a burglary to McKendree United Methodist Church, 2860 McKendree Church road. When Jones arrived at the church that morning, she discovered someone had forced their way into the building.

Upon further investigation, Jones discovered severe damage throughout the church and several items, including televisions and cash, missing from the church.

Also reported the same morning, an attempted burglary of Spring Bayou Baptist Church, 11205 Woodville road. Entry was not gained but there was damage to a glass door, which activated an audible alarm.

On 08/09/10, detectives received a tip advising of a possible suspect in the burglary of McKendree United Methodist Church.

After receiving the tip, detectives received enough information to obtain a search warrant of the suspects home, located on Childress Road, West Paducah..

Upon executing the search warrant, detectives came in contact with the suspect, Phillip Cooper, 22, and his girlfriend, Kayla Matney, 26. Also present in the home were Matney's two children, ages two (2) and five (5).

Upon searching the home, detectives were able to locate several items, including a flat screen television, that had been stolen from McKendree United Methodist Church. Also found in the search, was a quantity of marijuana and several pieces of drug paeraphernalia. The drugs and paraphernalia were lying in the open and accessible to the two small children.

On this date, the investigation continued and detectives located a second suspect, Ricky Baldwin, 22, in the church burglary.

Further investigation showed that Baldwin was also involved in the church burglary.

A second flat screen television was recovered from Baldwin and it was determined to have been stolen from McKendree United Methodist Church.

Both suspects are believed to have been involved in the burglary attempt at Spring Bayou Baptist Church and charges are pending.

All suspects were lodged in the McCracken Regional Jail.

Contact McCracken Regional Jail for photos

Charges: 1) Burglary 3rd Degree