Police: NJ Man Who Sought Help From Church Stole About $1,500
LAKEWOOD, N.J. (AP) — Authorities say a man who sought aid from a southern New Jersey church instead tried to steal about $1,500 in collection money.
Lakewood police say 37-year-old township resident Lamberto Fattori went to St. Mary's of the Lake Church around 11 a.m. Sunday and asked for help, saying he needed money due to a recent fire at his home.
A church usher told Fattori the church could help him, but asked if he would wait until the service ended. A short time later, church staffers noticed that a bag containing the collection money was missing.
Police found Fattori near the church and charged him with theft. They say the stolen money was recovered.
Fattori's bail was set at $10,000 cash. It wasn't known Monday if he's retained an attorney.
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