Half Moon Bay man arrested for allegedly stealing from church donations box

HALF MOON BAY — A man was arrested Saturday for stealing money from a church’s donations box, authorities said.

The suspect, a 58-year-old resident of Half Moon Bay, allegedly stole from Our Lady of the Pillar Church on Sept. 8. Witnesses noticed him remove money from a secured candle stand then flee the scene, according to a press release from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s deputies conducted an investigation that included collecting witness statements, getting surveillance footage showing the suspect present in the church during the crime and documenting evidence from the chapel, authorities said. The suspect was also identified by a witness during a photo lineup.

The suspect was taken into custody in Half Moon Bay without incident and booked into Maguire Correctional Facility on suspicion of burglary, authorities said.

During his arrest, authorities found clothing that matched what was seen in surveillance footage and a tool that is often used to force entry, they added.

“The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting places of worship and community spaces and thanks the Half Moon Bay community for their cooperation during this investigation,” authorities added.

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