Man Arrested for Theft of Donations from Half Moon Bay Church
In a troubling incident that has rattled the local community, law enforcement authorities on the San Mateo County coast apprehended a man over the weekend, who is linked to the theft of donations from a Catholic church in Half Moon Bay. This theft reportedly occurred at Our Lady of the Pillar church, with the sheriff’s office receiving notification about the crime on September 8.
Details of the Incident
Witnesses present at the church described seeing a man inside the chapel taking money from a donation box attached to a candle stand. After completing the act, the suspect made a hasty exit. In response, deputies from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office began their investigation, collecting witness statements and securing evidence from the scene.
In addition to witness testimonies, security footage from the church was analyzed, which showed the alleged thief at the location during the time of the theft. This crucial evidence significantly aided investigators in identifying the suspect.
Identification and Arrest
With the assistance of law enforcement databases, detectives were able to track down the suspect. The individual was identified as 58-year-old Shawn M. Decosta, a resident of Half Moon Bay. Following this identification, Decosta was arrested on Saturday.
Deputies reported that they recovered attire fitting the description of the clothing worn by the suspect as observed in the surveillance footage. Additionally, a tool, which is commonly utilized for forcible entry, was found in Decosta’s possession.
Community Impact and Sheriff’s Statement
The sheriff’s office expressed gratitude towards the Half Moon Bay community for their cooperation throughout the investigation. They reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding places of worship and communal spaces against crime. A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office stated:
“The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting places of worship and community spaces and thanks the Half Moon Bay community for their cooperation during this investigation.”
Current Status
Decosta is currently detained at the Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City, facing charges of second-degree burglary. He is scheduled for a court appearance on Monday.
Incident Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | September 8, 2023 |
| Suspect Name | Shawn M. Decosta |
| Location | Our Lady of the Pillar Church, Half Moon Bay |
| Charges | Second-degree burglary |
| Court Appearance | Scheduled for Monday |
The community in Half Moon Bay continues to recover from this unsettling event, with local leaders and law enforcement encouraging residents to remain vigilant and supportive of their places of worship.
