Man Arrested for Damaging Grounds of Nauvoo Temple
A Missouri man was arrested for damaging the property of the LDS temple in Nauvoo, Illinois.
The Nauvoo Police Department arrested 60-year-old Frank J. Utter on Tuesday for damaging a place of worship, a Class 2 felony. Utter allegedly drove a minivan onto the grounds of the Nauvoo Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints causing significant damage, according to the Daily Gate City.
Assistant Chief Mike Boley confirmed that multiple items on the temple grounds were damaged, but he would not elaborate any further. The temple building itself was untouched.
It is unknown how Utter was able to gain access to the grounds as the temple is completely enclosed by wrought-iron gates, which were secured at the time the crime took place.
Boley reports that the estimated damage to the property will cost more than $10,000.
If Utter is convicted of a Class 2 felony, Daily Gate City reports that he could face fines up to the cost of the damage he caused, perform 30-120 hours of community service and serve anywhere from three to seven years in prison.
Utter is currently being held in the Hancock County jail in IL, on a $100,000 bond.