Outside the 'South': Churches spooked by ominous letters from 'The Waster'
By Leada Gore | lgore@al.com AL.com
series /series Aka Story Package gallery-preview /gallery-preview Aka Secondary Package A letter from someone calling himself "The Waster" has been sent to as many 50 churches in Tennessee and Georgia. (Contributed photo/Ocoee Baptist Church)
Church leaders in Tennessee and Georgia are expressing concern after receiving anonymous letters from someone calling himself "The Waster."
Law enforcement officials said the photocopied, handwritten letter criticized "preachers, ministers and chaplains" for not teaching or following Biblical commandments. At least 50 churches in Tennessee and Georgia have received the letter, WSPA reported. The letters do not threaten violence and have been sent to multiple different denominations.
"As far as we know, there have been no law violations," McMinn County, Tennessee Sheriff Joe Guy told the Daily Athenian. "There have been no overt threats."
However, Guy said the letters contain a verse at the bottom, Isaiah 54:16-17, that references the creation of a "waster to destroy," that could be interpreted as threatening.
"It makes people a little uncomfortable when a reference like that is made," Guy said. "We respect anyone's opinion, but we want to balance that with making sure our churches are safe and secure."
The Sheriff's Office in Murray County, Georgia said churches in its area have also received the letters. The letters were delivered in unmarked brown envelopes and slid under church doors.
"The intent is unknown, there doesn't appear to be any specific threats involved but they are very suspicious in nature," the Sheriff's Office said. Extra patrols have been assigned to each of the churches.
Ocoee Baptist Church in Ocoee, Tennessee was among the churches receiving a letter from "The Waster." It posted photos of the letters online.
"We really hope there is nothing harmful meant toward any church that these were dropped off at, but it's always better to be precautious," church officials said.
There are no reports of churches outside of Tennessee and Georgia receiving similar letters. Churches that do receive a letter are advised to contact law enforcement.