Woman accused of burglarizing De Pere church on Christmas pleads not guilty

GREEN BAY (WLUK) – A woman accused of breaking into a church on Christmas Day pleaded not guilty Friday to burglary and theft charges.

Mary Jo Pepin, 65, returns to court March 13 for a preliminary hearing.

According to the criminal complaint, police responded to Our Lady of Lourdes Church in De Pere at about 5 p.m. Christmas Day. Footprints were found, but no one was found in the building. Security video showed images of the same woman believed to be responsible for trespassing incidents on several other dates.

After police shared images of the suspect, tips led police to Pepin.

“Property from the church was recovered in a bag carried by Pepin,” the complaint states.

Police matched prints from a boot in her closet to those found at the church. Other clothing also matched that seen on video.

“Sgt. Hanson reviewed with Pepin the items listed on the warrant and asked for assistance in locating any keys for church buildings, specifically the church referred to in the December 25 incident. Pepin laughed to herself and did not identify any keys,” the complaint states. “Several keys were located inside a purse.”

The criminal complaint offers no comments from Pepin on a possible motive for the incidents.