Man accused of making terrorist threat against church

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A Dexter, Missouri, man is being held without bond at the Stoddard County Sheriff's Department after being accused of making a terrorist threat at a local church.

John Robert Wilkinson Jr., 24, of Dexter, said he intended to blow up First Baptist Church in Dexter on Aug. 26, according to a police report.

The report states Wilkinson had gone to the church that day to inquire about receiving assistance in getting a room for the night. Pastor George Knight was advised Wilkinson had been denied help two nights earlier.

After hearing of the rejection, Wilkinson said he had an audio recording of being turned down for help and that he would sue.

According to the report, Wilkinson was told "if he wanted to sue, that was fine."

Wilkinson allegedly responded by saying, "No, I will just blow this place up."

After Wilkinson left the property, workers in the church's day care, Small Wonders Child Development Center, brought all the children inside, and the exterior doors were locked.

The report states an employee of the church left in her vehicle shortly after Wilkinson left. A witness said she saw Wilkinson about a block from the church and he pointed his hand at her, simulating a gun, and said, "You're next."

Wilkinson was arrested Friday by the Dexter Police Department on a warrant for making terrorist threats with reckless disregard for the closure of a building.