The suspect is accused of committing several burglaries in Central Islip, according to police, including at the First United Methodist Church on Tuesday.
The pastor came and saw the office all ransacked," said First United Methodist Church President of the Trustees Burgun Grosvenor.
He told Eyewitness News that the pastor went into the church office on Tuesday, and noticed items scattered all over the floor, and drawers opened.
"We found the air conditioner pushed through and we were able to see from our cameras - we saw him entering the building through the air conditioning," Grosvenor said.
According to police, David Roman made his way into the church and also damaged an interior door to gain access to the office.
"It appears he was looking for money, and we don't keep money in the church," Grosvenor said.
The 61-year-old was arrested on Wednesday. Police say at that time he had items on him that were previously reported stolen.
"I'm glad that he has been caught, it is disturbing that he chose a sanctuary to break into," Grosvenor said.
Roman is also allegedly responsible for two other burglaries.
On May 28, he allegedly entered a basement apartment and stole cash and jewelry on Calebs Path in Central Islip.
On June 12, police say he kicked in the front door of a home on Clayton Street and stole cash and jewelry. He then went into a basement apartment where investigators told Eyewitness News that a person inside confronted him and called the police.
Roman was scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday. However, Eyewitness News was told that he was transferred to another police department, and there is no word on when that arraignment will take place.
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