LONG ISLAND WOMAN CAUGHT STEALING IN CHURCH

Posted: 3:36 pm
June 29, 2009

WESTBURY, N.Y. -- Nassau County police said a congregant at a Long Island church disregarded at least one of its commandments: Thou shalt not steal. Police said the 46-year-old woman reached over a pew and took cash from a purse while its owner knelt Sunday at Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church in Westbury. Police said an usher saw the theft, and officers stopped the woman as she left the church.

Police said they determined the same woman stole cash from another worshipper's purse while that victim took communion May 10.

The woman has been released on an appearance ticket after being arrested on petit larceny charges. She faces up to a year in jail if convicted.

A telephone message left at the church wasn't immediately returned. The woman's phone rang unanswered.