Josef Stumpfoll allegedly went to the Pathway Community Church, located at 586 N. Michigan St., about noon and painted seven swastikas on the church windows.
He was charged with a hate crime and vandalism, the state's attorney said.
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Stumpfoll was taken into custody from his Wheeling home without incident.
The graffiti was already cleaned up Monday morning.
Police say Stumpfoll is a former member of the church.