Lockesburg man has been arrested in connection with the burglary of a church late last week.

Submitted by KDQN.net

According to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was dispatched to First Baptist Church of Lockesburg around 11:30 the night of Friday, July 15, in response to a burglary alarm. The deputy met with a key holder of the church who said security footage showed a man breaking into the church just moments before.

Security footage showed the suspect leaving before the keyholder or deputy arrived. The deputy did not locate anyone inside the church but discovered a window that was likely used as the entrance point. He also found damage inside one of the church offices where the suspect attempted to gain access to some locked cabinets. The only items found missing were a pack of Gatorade and an ice chest.

Following up his investigation on July 16, the deputy was contacted by a woman who identified the man seen in the security footage as Matthew Robinson. Robinson was located at his residence adjacent to the church. A background check on Robinson allegedly revealed he had arrest warrants issued by both the Sheridan and Murfreesboro Police Departments. He was then placed into custody.

A roommate of Robinson’s reportedly told the arresting deputy that Robinson had admitted to breaking into the church the night of July 15. The roommate also provided the deputy with the ice chest reported stolen from the church.

Robinson has been charged with a felony count of commercial burglary as well as misdemeanor theft of property.