Wheaton man charged with hate crime, vandalizing, burglarizing churches

A 36-year-old man is charged with committing a hate crime after vandalizing and burglarizing two Wheaton churches Monday, officials say.

Michael D. Leathe, of the 100 block of Kensington Circle, is charged with burglary, institutional vandalism and committing a hate crime, according to a news release from the Wheaton Police Department. Leathe remained at the DuPage County jail Tuesday. His bond has been set at $20,000.

Authorities believe the churches were targeted for personal reasons, and the act was "religiously motivated," Deputy Police Chief William Murphy said.

Police were investigating a smashed window and burglary at Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 N. West St., when they learned Aldersgate United Methodist Church. 1753 S. Blanchard St., had also been broken into. Mostly office supplies were stolen, officials said.

Leathe was arrested shortly after midnight when officers saw him tampering with Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Murphy said.

A damage estimate was not immediately available.

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