Authorities in California have apprehended a man, Malin Rostas, accused of masquerading as a priest and targeting churches for theft across the country.

Rostas, 45, was arrested after attempting to burglarize a church in Moreno Valley. His vehicle matched descriptions linked to several reported burglaries.

Rostas, hailing from New York, was booked on an outstanding felony warrant in Pennsylvania for allegedly stealing $15,500 from a home in Adams County.

Operating under aliases like “Father Martin” or “Moyse Lingurar,” Rostas researched targeted parishes, gaining the trust of clergy by posing as a priest, Yahoo has reported.

Suspected thefts include $900 from a church in Queens, $500 from a church in Houston, and over $1,700 from a church in Oregon.

The investigation is ongoing, with additional charges pending for the attempted burglary in Moreno Valley.

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station or local law enforcement.

Written by B.C. Begley