Crime, Law and Justice

2 charged after Twin Cities Buddhist, Hindu temples hit by national theft ring

Wat Promwachirayan in St. Louis Park
Monk Phra "T" Theerapattarapop Phuangmala prays in front of a Buddhist deity inside Wat Promwachirayan in St. Louis Park on Sept. 25.
Nicole Ki | MPR News

Quick Read

In May through July, at least four Hindu and Buddhist temples in the Twin Cities were burglarized. Two men have been charged in connection to those burglaries and others in a sprawling case police say connects to a national ring targeting temples. Religious leaders say their communities are "shattered."