On Sunday morning, Audrey Bahneman, 44, disrupted a worship service at New River Church in York County, South Carolina, leading to her arrest on a charge of disturbance of religious worship.
Incident Summary
Bahneman entered the sanctuary around 10 a.m., screamed profanities at the pastor and congregation, and persisted in trying to re-enter after church security escorted her out. Deputies from the York County Sheriff’s Office took her into custody without reported injuries, allowing the service to continue.
Legal Basis
South Carolina Code Section 16-17-520 classifies willful and malicious interruption of religious worship as a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $20–$100, up to one year in prison, or both. She was held without bond at York County Detention Center pending a Monday bond hearing.
Location Context
New River Church is in York County, near the northern edge of South Carolina’s Lowcountry region, aligning with your interest in local South Carolina news.
