*copyright 2008, 2009, 2010 - P.L. Chadwick, Webmaster
For the people, by the people, and about the people of Lake Helen, Florida
August 2010
From the Desk of Keith L. Chester,
Chief of Police:
July 8th, 2010
"Case Closed"
The Lake Helen Police Department has arrested Rico Lee Rivera, age 20, at a home located at 186 Garden Street in Lake Helen, Florida for the burglaries and vandalisms of Blake Memorial Baptist Church located at 134 N. Euclid Avenue and the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Lake Helen located at 107 S. Euclid Avenue. Most of the property stolen from the churches was recovered buried behind a home located at 167 W. Main Street where Rivera had moved from the day prior. The senseless crimes committed by Rivera have outraged the citizens of the community. The needless destruction committed by this lone criminal will cost the members of the two churches tens of thousands of dollars to recover. When you attack a church, you attack a community. Rivera will be booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail.

*Note: When arrested, Rivera was out of jail on bond on other charges previously filed by the Lake Helen Police Department for theft from a Lake Helen business.

Current Charges:

Burglary – Five Counts
Criminal Trespass – Two Counts
Grand Theft – Two Counts
Criminal Mischief – Six Counts



On, or about, June 16th, 2010, Rico Lee Rivera gained access into two buildings owned by Blake Memorial Baptist Church located at 134 N. Euclid Ave. in Lake Helen, Florida. He dispensed fire extinguishers and ransacked offices and the sanctuary. Rivera removed computers and other property from the church and the churches office. Rivera also gained access into the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Lake Helen located at 107 S. Euclid Avenue and two other buildings owned by the church. While inside Rivera dispensed fire extinguishers and damaged property. Rivera’s residence at the time, 167 W. Main Street, located next door to the First Congregational United Church of Christ and was just a few steps away from Blake Memorial Baptist Church. There is no known reason or justification for the crimes Rivera committed. Both of the Churches and other buildings Rivera entered that are owned by the two churches are historic buildings. Much of Lake Helen’s history involves these two churches. Both have large congregations.
History: