MINEOLA, NY — Nassau County police have arrested an undomiciled man in connection with a series of donation box thefts and damage at Roman Catholic churches across the county.
William Hepworth, 60, was arrested Friday, Feb. 13 at 2:10 p.m. following an extensive investigation by the Third Squad.
According to detectives, Hepworth damaged a donation box and removed U.S. currency at Maria Regina Roman Catholic Church located at 3945 Jerusalem Avenue in Seaford on Dec. 12.
On Dec. 22, Hepworth removed a donation box containing U.S. currency from Holy Name of Mary Roman Catholic Church located at 55 East Jamaica Avenue in Valley Stream, police said.
Hepworth unsuccessfully attempted to remove U.S. currency from a donation box at St. Barnabas Roman Catholic Church located at 2320 Bedford Avenue in Bellmore on Jan. 12, according to detectives.
On Feb. 10, Hepworth damaged and removed a donation box at Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church located at 534 Broadway in Carle Place, police said.
Hepworth was charged with three counts of grand larceny fourth degree, criminal mischief third degree, criminal mischief fourth degree, possession of burglar tools, tampering with physical evidence, petit larceny and attempted petit larceny.
Detectives are requesting anyone who believes they may have been a victim to call Nassau County Police Department Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or visit www.nassaucountycrimestoppers.com.
