Robbers Beat Priest with Holy Water Sprinkler [sic]

Photo ~ In 2011, the Rev. Dan Mallette was beaten and robbed in the rectory of St. Margaret of Scotland parish. Jerrell Harris is now charged in the attack.

Jerrell Harris, 21, was arrested Thursday after being identified as the person who broke into the rectory of St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church on Dec. 6, 2011, where 80-year-old Fr. Dan Mallette lived, police said.

Mallette was awakened on the night of Dec. 6, 2011, by two men wearing masks and "ninja-like suits" who had broken into the rectory of St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church, Assistant State's Attorney Erin Antonietti said.

The two robbers demanded money and started beating the 80-year-old priest, Antonietti said. One of them grabbed Mallette's walking cane and a tool used to sprinkle holy water (Aspergillum-ED), striking the priest in the head, she said.

The robbers got the combination and key to the church safe, where they found $600, Antonietti said. The culprits sprayed Clorox around the rectory in an effort to eliminate any physical evidence, Antonietti said.

The Sun-Times reported that Mallette, fearing for his life, confessed his sins aloud — and his attackers told him to shut up before beating him more and forcing him to open a safe that held money for the poor.

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