MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A police sting Sunday at a Marion County church netted $350 in stolen cash and landed a volunteer usher in jail.
Sheriff's deputies say Mario Condis, 60, was arrested after they saw him taking cash from offering baskets while the congregation prayed during Mass.
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 Sunday's arrest.
Deputies found $349.05 on Condis when he was confronted Sunday, 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 Sunday evening on a $3,500 bond.
WFTV
