ND man admits burglarizing, torching church

DICKINSON, N.D. (AP) — A Dickinson man accused of burglarizing and then setting fire to a local church has pleaded guilty to arson and burglary.

The Dickinson Press reports that 21-year-old Joshua Whitworth's pleas are part of an agreement with prosecutors under which he would serve six years in prison. If a judge agrees to the deal, prosecutors will drop charges of theft of property and corruption of a minor.

Stark County prosecutor Rhonda Ehlis says Whitworth broke into a safe and stole $131 in dollar bills that had been donated by children. Defense attorney Jay Greenwood said Whitworth was “pretty out of his mind” on drugs.

The Church of Christ has been meeting at a different location while repairs are made. The congregation hopes to be back home by mid-August.

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