A man has been arrested in connection with a string of church burglaries in the Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights areas.
Carlos Montiel, 36, was arrested Thursday for allegedly stealing more than $30,000 from donation boxes soon after a public appeal for information yielded an anonymous tip-off, a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department spokesman said.
The Hacienda Heights resident was taken into custody after surveillance was carried out at his home and he was positively identified. A search was also carried out at Montiel’s residence and in his vehicle to recover evidence related to the crime.
A man matching the suspect's description has been caught on camera numerous times entering churches during the day, when they were open to the public, and stealing large amounts of cash left in locked donation boxes. A buddist temple was among the places of worship targetted.
An appeal for information was made Thursday, and an anonymous tip identifying Montiel as the man seen is surveillance footage carrying out the crimes was received from a community member soon after.
