43-year old Leonard Degaetano of Lindenhurst is charged with Burglary 3rd Degree and Possession of Burglar's Tools. He was also charged with Burglary 3rd Degree for a previous theft in the church.
Suffolk County Police had set up surveillance at Our Lady of Perpetual Help R. C. Church on South Wellwood Ave., following several previous thefts involving cash from candle donation and poor boxes.
The suspect was allegedly seen on the surveillance video Friday night using a wire-like object as a hook to remove cash from the boxes. Police say he was disguising his identity by wearing a hood or surgical mask.
Officers who were in the church to monitor the video said they saw the suspect removing cash from the candle donation box and arrested Degaetano as he attempted to flee from the church at 9:10 p.m.
