Church Volunteer Accused of Stealing Plate Proceeds

Denise Pimentel, 42, of New Fairfield, CT, faces a charge of Grand Larceny 4th Degree, a Class E Felony.

New York State Police from the Brewster Barracks were dispatched by Putnam County 911 July 22 to the Sacred Heart Church in Putnam Lake.

When the officers arrived, they were notified that $1,023 in cash, which represented the previous weekend’s donations from parishioners, had been prepared earlier in the day for deposit. A church employee had placed the cash in a desk drawer while completing other duties. The cash was discovered missing at about 10 a.m.

Investigation revealed that Pimentel, a volunteer at the church, had taken the cash, police allege.

Pimentel was arraigned at the Town of Patterson Court and sent to Putnam County Jail in lieu of $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 bond. She is due back in court on Sept. 17.