MARION COUNTY, Fla. — In early November, a police sting landed volunteer church usher Mario Condis in jail on charges he stole cash from the collection plate while the congregation prayed.
The 60-year-old Condis pleaded not guilty to the charges against him in an Ocala courtroom Tuesday.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office set up video surveillance at the church after officials suspected someone was stealing cash from the offering.
Deputies said Condis was recorded stuffing cash from the baskets into his pockets during several Masses at the church, leading up to his Nov. 8 arrest.
Deputies found $349.05 on Condis when he was confronted, which he initially denied stealing. Condis later said he was returning the money to the altar when deputies stopped him.
He was charged with grand theft and three counts of petit theft. He was released from jail on a $3,500 bond.
WFTV
