By Greg Grisolano
ggrisolano@joplinglobe.com
LAMAR, Mo. — John Manco waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday in Barton County Circuit Court and was bound over for trial on charges that include the torching of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lamar.
Manco, 19, is charged with two counts of second-degree burglary, and one count each of second-degree arson and tampering with a motor vehicle.
The charges are in connection with an alleged spree that included a break-in and arson at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, a break-in at a vacant home near the church, and the theft of a stereo from a nearby car.
Appearing before Associate Judge Charles Curless on Tuesday, Manco waived his right to a hearing and was ordered to appear for arraignment June 8 in the trial division of the court. He remains in custody at the Barton County Jail.
A probable-cause affidavit alleges that Manco confessed to the crimes after he was arrested in March.
But his father, Joe Manco, said after the proceeding Tuesday that he believes his son is protecting other accomplices who may have played a part in the break-in.
Joe Manco said his son is “keeping his mouth shut” about the incident.
“My son’s a big boy. He’s a stand-up guy,” he said, acknowledging that he has no proof of such involvement other than his son’s word. “He knows he’s going to prison, but he’s not going to prison as a snitch.”
While the elder Manco alleges that law enforcement have not have followed up on additional perpetrators, Lamar police Chief Ronald Hager reiterated Tuesday that Manco is the sole suspect in the Feb. 8 arson that destroyed the 104-year-old church.
“At this time, we don’t have any other suspects,” the chief said, adding that the defendant had not given officers any indication during his interrogations that others had a role in the incident.
Manco also waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday on an unrelated Class B felony charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. He is accused of having 38 grams of marijuana on him when he was stopped by a state trooper in January 2008.
Joe Manco said he has been visiting his son on a weekly basis, and that the teen is “pretty stressed out.”
“He’s admitted his wrongdoing,” he said.
Parish plans
St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lamar is moving forward with plans to rebuild and expects to have a final blueprint for a new church to present to members as early as this weekend. Terry Riegel, parish council president, said the fire that destroyed the landmark church at 200 E. 17th St. has brought the parish members closer together as they look to rebuild.
