A woman has been detained following allegations of vandalizing a statue of Jesus at a Catholic church on Long Island. According to Suffolk County Police, Deyonna Subert, 41, was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal mischief. The charges relate to damage inflicted upon a Sacred Heart of Jesus statue at St. Mary’s Church in East Islip.

The police reported that the damage occurred on May 15, around 11:15 p.m., at the church located at 118 East Main St. After a thorough investigation by detectives from the Hate Crimes Unit, Subert was taken into custody outside 221 West Main Street in Bay Shore at 6:39 a.m.

The statue, missing its head, was discovered by churchgoers during Sunday services and First Communion celebrations. Father Anthony Iaconis, St. Mary’s pastor, noted that the statue plays a significant role in church events, including communions where children gather to take photos. Father Iaconis later recovered the statue’s head from nearby bushes.

Expressing concerns over the incident, long-time parishioner Regina Vavricka remarked, “I think everyone would be upset by it. Whether you belong to this parish or not, or whether you’re Catholic or Jewish, it doesn’t matter.”

The church community has received donations to repair the statue, with plans to have it fixed shortly. Father Iaconis urged prayers for the person responsible, stating, “It’s not right, but we can still pray for them.”

Detectives from the department’s Hate Crimes Unit continue to investigate the case. A press release from Suffolk County Police reminded the public that criminal charges remain accusations until proven guilty.

Suffolk County Police did not provide additional comments at the request of Fox News Digital.