SANDY — Vandals covered an LDS meetinghouse here with graffiti.
The extensive vandalism was discovered about 10 a.m. Thursday by members of the ward near 11400 South and 1300 East.
Numerous obscenities and derogatory remarks aimed at homosexuals, blacks and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were spray-painted over the majority of the church's outside walls.
There was no vandalism inside the church.
But investigators Thursday weren't ready to call the incident a hate crime. Some of the graffiti had misspelled words, such as "wite power." And the general nature of the vandalism didn't seem to match other verified hate crimes, according to detectives.
"It was very juvenile in nature," Sandy police Sgt. Bill O'Neal said.
Because of that, police were looking at the possibility that juveniles simply being destructive may be responsible. However, O'Neal said that all possibilities would be investigated, and if the incident was in fact motivated by hate then those responsible would face federal charges when they're arrested.
O'Neal said the gang unit was also investigating the incident as a precaution because of some symbols found spray-painted on the building.
Damage to the meetinghouse was estimated to be several thousand dollars. Investigators believe the vandalism occurred sometime between 10 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. Thursday.
Anyone with information is asked to call Sandy police at 840-4000.
E-mail: preavy@desnews.com