Man Stole Pastor's Wallet From South Brunswick Church, Cops Say

South Brunswick police have arrested a 24-year-old man who they say stole a pastor’s wallet from a church office.

Nigel Barnes, who had addresses in Brooklyn, New York and Franklin Park, was charged with burglary and theft. The burglary charge was filed because he entered the church to commit a crime, police said.

In a news release, South Brunswick Capt. James Ryan said police believe the man has preyed on church locations and has been connected to similar thefts at churches in New Brunswick and Princeton.

According to the news release:

On June 28, the pastor arrived early for the 9:30 a.m. Mass at the Christ the King Church on Route 27. She left her bag, with her purse, in the church office.

Around 6 p.m. that night, she realized it had been stolen when American Express called her to tell her that someone was trying to use her credit card.

A few days later, police received a report from a person connected to a Sandhill Road church.

Police learned that Barnes went to that church looking for assistance but officials there grew suspicious of him.

After police identified Barnes as their suspect, Detective Eric Tighelaar learned he was connected to similar thefts.

In some cases, Barnes said he was homeless and asked for help, and other times, he stole purses.

Tighelaar linked Barnes to the theft from the Route 27 church and determined he used the credit cards at a nearby Stop & Shop.

Barnes was sent to the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center in North Brunswick, with bail set at $25,000.

Anyone with information about the case or the defendant’s activity is asked to call Tighelaar at (732) 329-4000 ext. 7486.

Photo courtesy South Brunswick police