Homeless man charged with burglarizing Paterson church | Paterson Times Paterson Times

Homeless man charged with burglarizing Paterson church

By Jonathan Greene
Published: September 13, 2019

Antonio-Figueroa

A homeless man has been arrested for allegedly breaking into the Saint Agnes Church on Main Street and stealing money and two brass candle holders with white candles, according to public safety director Jerry Speziale.

Antonio Figueroa, 35-year-old, has been charged with burglary and theft, police said on Friday afternoon. He was caught on the church’s surveillance camera attempting to remove the tabernacle from behind the altar and breaking into two donation boxes within the church in the early morning hours of August 30, 2019.

Police received a complaint that the suspect broke in through the Mary Street side door. $500 was taken as well as the brass candle holders and candles.

Figueroa is seen leaving the church with two large candle holders in each hand and two white candles in his right short pants pocket.

Detectives circulated an image of the suspect to police officers to search the surrounding area. Figueroa matched the description of the suspect captured in surveillance footage. He was located few blocks away from the church.

Police found the stolen items, 2 brass 42-inch candle holders with two 24-inch white candles, inside the abandoned house at 46 Chadwick Street.

Police said the church at 681 Main Street was the subject of multiple burglaries in August and September.

D/Sgt. Jack DeSalvo, detectives Jason English, Brian Culmone, S. Gomez, and Jovan Candelo conducted the investigation that led to Friday’s arrest.

Detectives are currently investigating the other burglaries.


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