WICHITA, Kan. – The man convicted of vandalizing St. Patrick Catholic Church in north Wichita earlier this year has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison.
Michael Angel Gonzalez, 23, received a 34-month prison sentence from Sedgwick County District Judge Tyler Roush on Friday, according to a release from the District Attorney’s Office.
Gonzalez pleaded guilty in July to burglary, criminal desecration, misdemeanor theft, and criminal damage to property for the March 15 incident, during which he caused more than $40,000 in damage.
According to court documents, Gonzalez broke into the church at 2007 N. Arkansas, burned an American flag, destroyed a statue of St. Patrick, punched holes in the walls, and spray-painted “satanisgod.org” on a pillar. He also shattered windows, glass frames, and candles.
Investigators linked him to the crime after finding his fingerprints and blood at the scene. Gonzalez was arrested the next day at a Wichita homeless shelter.
In a statement, prosecutors said the sentence “ensures accountability and justice for the harm caused to the historic church and its congregation.”
