State police are investigating vandalism of at least eight gravestones in a Bentleyville church this weekend.

Around Friday night, vulgar language, several swastikas and at least one use of a racial slur were spray painted onto a row of gravestones at Ave Maria Parish, said the Rev. Gary Krummert, the pastor. He said all the gravestones will be cleaned.

"We feel pretty confident that we will be able to remove the paint," said Father Krummert, the pastor at the church for two years.

"This isn't some little prank. It's a crime."

This is second act of vandalism in the past year. In December, a 14-year-old spray painted on gravestones and a statue. The vandal was caught and punished with house arrest and community service after state police received a tip, he added.

Father Krummert asked the public, if they have any tips on the recent vandalism, to contact the Belle Vernon station of the state police at 724-929-6262.