A man pretending to be a priest has left residents shocked after he gained access to the church's rectory, where he stole money.
According to local law enforcement, He goes by the name "Father Martin," and authorities believe a southwest Houston church is not the only church he robbed.
According to Houston police, the individual purported to be a priest to steal from St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Hillcroft near Braeswood.
The theft occurred on October 27 but was only recently reported.
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According to investigators, the individual claimed to be a priest visiting from Chicago. He informed church employees that he had left his keys at the rectory and was granted access to the residence. That's when they claimed he stole money.
Parishioners at the church were stunned to learn what had occurred.
"I don't have words for that... trying to impersonate someone," stated one parishioner. "It's a pity. You wish it hadn't happened."
According to police, the individual stayed on church grounds for around 30 minutes before leaving in a neighboring vehicle.
According to authorities, the suspect also has outstanding warrants for his arrest in California and Pennsylvania.
Police are hopeful that the public can assist them in locating the individual before another church is targeted.
