Second suspect jailed on arson allegation in Lawrence County Amish vandalism
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A second suspect is now behind bars in connection with a sweeping investigation into vandalism targeting Amish property in Lawrence County.
27-year-old Austin Boggs, of Sarcoxie, was booked into the Lawrence County Jail this weekend.
Jail records list five alleged offenses: second-degree arson, second-degree burglary, first-degree property damage, first-degree harassment and first-degree trespassing.
Boggs is being held with bond denied.
The investigation stems from a series of incidents during the overnight hours of July 17 and 18, when a group allegedly stole an Amish buggy, dragged it behind a side-by-side utility vehicle, damaged it and pushed it approximately 15 feet off a bridge into a creek.
The investigation also uncovered extensive damage to other Amish property, including broken windows, destroyed electrical equipment, and a residence that burned to the ground.
According to a probable cause statement, Justin Sullivan told investigators that Boggs was among six individuals who walked through the woods to an Amish property and vandalized buildings.
Sullivan alleged that Boggs and Levi Boggs smashed ceiling fans on a porch and broke windows. Austin Boggs also allegedly poured glue onto concrete footings near the residence.
Sullivan told investigators that Austin and Levi Boggs later discussed burning an Amish house.
According to the statement, Sullivan picked up Austin Boggs along a county road and drove him back toward the area. Austin then allegedly entered a side-by-side driven by Levi Boggs, and the two headed toward the Amish property.
Sullivan said he initially believed the two were bluffing about burning the house.
The following day, he discovered the residence had burned to the ground.
Investigators also documented a second burned structure and a destroyed zero-turn mower.
The arrest comes days after prosecutors charged Rachel Lea Klemp, of Stotts City, with three felonies and misdemeanor trespassing in connection with the same investigation.
Klemp is accused of entering Amish property and spray-painting graffiti. She has not been charged with starting the fire or stealing the buggy.
