By Erik Harris
TRUSSVILLE – 31-year-old Eja Cree of Birmingham has been charged with first-degree criminal mischief for vandalizing Mountain View Baptist Church on Chalkville Rd. in Grayson Valley.
Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies took Cree into custody Friday afternoon after over 20 church, home and business vandalism incidents had been reported in the JeffCo area.
According to Chief Deputy Randy Christian, additional charges are pending for the 31-year-old who claims the Holy Spirit challenged him to “get the word out”.
The religious extremist is alleged to have spray-painted different variations of the word “Memeneusha” on church campuses across the area over night. In Cree’s mind, the word means “Jesus is coming,” Christian said.
Authorities believe that the majority of the vandalism was executed between Thursday night and early Friday morning. Solid Rock Church in Pinson was also affected.
Cree recently took to YouTube to express his beliefs about religion and the U.S. government. The disturbing videos feature a rambling collection of thoughts while the former U.S. Air Force reserve member burns currency and expresses his concerns about our society.
After several hours of questioning, Christian was relieved to see that the problem appears to be mental illness.
Another adult, 45, was brought in for questioning, but was released once it was believed that he was not involved.