Ignoring The Commandments: Man Stole From Church Donation Box, Virginia Cops Say

A 61-year-old man is accused of stealing from the donation box at a Virginia church — and it’s not the only church he robbed, police said.

This week, the Fairfax County police in Virginia announced the arrest of Richard Thomas Phelan.

On June 28, police responded to the St. Mary’s of Sorrows Catholic Church for a report of a man who stole a purse from a car in the parking lot. The stolen credit cards were then used at nearby stores, police said.

On July 4, the same suspect returned to the church and stole from two donation boxes, police said.

At least one stolen check from the box was cashed.

On July 14, police found Phelan unresponsive in a white truck, which was similar to one spotted at the thefts, authorities said. The truck was reported stolen from nearby Montgomery County.

On July 14, police found Phelan unresponsive in a white truck, which was similar to one spotted at the thefts, authorities said. The truck was reported stolen from nearby Montgomery County.

Investigators say Phelan is the suspect in several other thefts at churches and businesses in the area.