Man who claimed to be LDS Prophet jailed after threats to shoot area church

GALLATIN, Mo. (KCTV) - A man who claimed to be the founding prophet of the Church of Latter-Day Saints is behind bars after he threatened to shoot of a house of worship.

Daviess County, Missouri, Circuit Court records filed on Monday, May 19, indicate that Dusten C. Sloan, 25, of Rayville, faces multiple charges after he allegedly threatened to shoot up a Gallatin church.

A probable cause statement filed by the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office revealed that on Sunday, law enforcement officials were called to a local house of worship with reports of a disturbance.

Investigators said that they found Sloan had attended a service at the church on Sunday. He allegedly became disruptive and demanded to be given the sacrament when he was asked to remove his hat. After the service, he then demanded that he be baptized as he left the building, screaming and throwing things.

Church said they attempted to de-escalate the situation and escorted Sloan back into the building to retrieve his hat and jacket. After he returned to the parking lot, he again became agitated and threatened to return and shoot someone.

As an off-duty deputy who had been attending the service was made aware of the situation, investigators said he responded and attempted to escort Sloan off the property. Sloan continued to threaten to shoot the church as he opened his car doors. He later stated that he would kill all of the church.

As it was feared that Sloan may have had a firearm nearby, law enforcement officials said the off-duty deputy and church leaders began to usher service-goers back inside. However, Sloan left just before on-duty law enforcement officials arrived.

Investigators said they were able to intercept Sloan nearby and took him into custody during a traffic stop. When he was told he was going to jail, he then began to proclaim he was the Prophet Joseph Smith.

As Sloan was in his jail cell, law enforcement officials said he then stripped off his clothing and attempted to “rip” his own genitalia off. He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

As a result, Sloan has been charged with felony terrorist threat, peace disturbance and disruption of a house of worship - both misdemeanors. If convicted, he could face up to 5 years behind bars and a fine of up to $12,000.

As of Monday, May 19, Sloan remains in custody with no bond listed. A court appearance has not yet been scheduled. No further information has been released.

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