A man suspected of impersonating a priest to steal money has struck multiple Catholic churches across the United States, including a recent theft in Queens, New York, where he made off with $900 from a church’s priest.
Authorities and diocesan officials have reported similar incidents in states such as Texas and California, urging congregations to remain vigilant.
At American Martyrs Roman Catholic Church in Queens, the scam artist deceived a senior clergy member by claiming he was a priest visiting from Rome. This ruse allowed him access to the rectory and the priest’s bedroom, from which he stole the cash.
The Diocese of Brooklyn has identified this man as a suspect in previous attempts to infiltrate church properties under the guise of clergy. John Quaglione, a spokesperson for the diocese, explained to CNA, “At that time, he also said that he was a visiting priest who left his keys in the rectory.” He said the suspect’s knowledge and use of ecclesiastical terms was particularly convincing.
This fraudulent priest is believed to have attempted similar scams at the Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville’s motherhouse on Long Island and St. Thomas Aquinas church in Brooklyn.
Authorities continue to seek the public’s help in identifying the suspect, with the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline offering a reward for information leading to his capture.
“It’s very sad that someone is going to come into any house of worship and just violate everybody,” said Father Rayder of American Martyrs to ABC13.
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