Attica church vandalized, arrests made

ATTICA --- A church in Attica had been reported to have been vandalized in early February. The Seneca County Sheriff's Office received a call of an alleged breaking and entering at New Mount Zion Old Regular Baptist Church, the call came in around 8:23 a.m. on Feb. 10, 2023. Deputies arrived at the location, 16 E. High St., and discovered the church had been entered, and the culprits caused extensive damage to the chapel area of the church. Upon completion of the organization, the deputy investigating the incident identified the culprits responsible for the entry and causing the damage to the church. Deputies then arrested Ashton Sampson, 18, for alleged criminal trespassing, criminal damage2 and breaking and entering. In addition, Five additional juveniles between the ages of 12–15 were also charged, and their charges were referred to the Seneca County Juvenile Court for further adjudication. "One of the most pressing problems of our society is vandalism which seems to be spreading. There may be an abundance of unexplained reasons for the misbehavior of vandals, who are mainly young people, but the willful destruction or damaging of property is a crime." Sheriff Fred Stevens said.