A 48-year-old man is facing possible grand theft charges after being arrested for allegedly stealing money from a donation box for the poor at a Glendale church where he was a volunteer.
Armando Vasquez was described as “a career criminal with an extensive criminal history,” according to Glendale Police Sgt. Robert William.
“Over the last few months, members of the Holy Family Church located in the 200 block of East Lomita Avenue, started noticing less money than they would average from the donation box located inside the chapel,” William said.
“A manager noticed sticky glue-like substance on the box and suspected money was being stolen from the box. Upon reviewing the surveillance footage, they observed a volunteer who was recently hired, stealing money from the box on numerous occasions.”
Police investigators watched the video and zeroed in on a time they expected the suspect might strike again and the following day, undercover officers saw him sweeping the church grounds then making his way into the chapel, William said.
“He then pulled out tools he had brought with him and began stealing money from the box,” William said.
Vasquez was taken into custody Wednesday “and was found to be in possession of marked money which had been stolen out of the donation box along with other valuables belonging to the church,” according to William, who said the suspect had been using double-sided adhesive tape to fish money from the box.
Vasquez has 11 prior theft-related convictions and has received “multiple prison sentences,” according to William, who said Vasquez was released early after his latest conviction and incarceration.
Anyone with additional information about Vasquez was asked to call Glendale police at (818) 548-4911.
—City News Service