14-year-old who simulated sex act with Jesus statue gets probation and community service

Jesus statue outside of Love INC of Bedford County.Love INC of Bedford County/Facebook

A 14-year-old who mimicked a sex act on a Jesus statue has been given probation and community service, as well as a social media ban. 

The unnamed teenager was charged under a 1972 Pennsylvania law that protects venerated objects from desecration. 

The police report detailed that the misdemeanor took place around July 20 outside the offices of a Christian service organisation in Everett called Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC).  

The boy shared photos on Facebook of himself simulating the sex act with the statue but he found himself on the wrong end of the law after the district attorney's office was alerted to the images.

His punishment was determined last week by a Bedford County judge. 

District Attorney Bill Higgins said in a statement that the owners of the statue had "every right to practise their faith unmolested". 

He revealed that the teenager had also apologised to Love in the Name of Christ.  

Mr Higgins added: "I am glad he has accepted responsibility for his behaviour. 

"He is a 14-year-old boy with the potential to have a bright future.  I am confident that if he applies himself, he can put this matter behind him and become a productive citizen."