Man admits to church burglary ring
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The defendant, Christopher Paul Rembiszewski, 27, is currently charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of theft. However, the number is expected to skyrocket to 36 counts given the suspect’s admissions. Investigator Jim Hartman said some of the churches were hit on multiple occasions since the burglary spree began last summer, some victimized as many as five times.
“He told us several of these churches had helped him out,” said Sheriff Jackie Matheny. “He would then return at night when no one was around because the churches were easy to hit.”
Rembiszewski’s spree came to an end when he was seen coming out of Cumberland Community Church which is located in front of Delores’ Market on Smithville Highway. It marked the fourth time he had broken into the tiny, rural church. He was then taken for questioning and cooperated with authorities, telling them of his crimes.
“He stole things like food, stereos, games, vacuums, toys, money, electronic items, household cleaners and even diapers. Pretty well anything,” Matheny said. “As far as we can tell, it wasn’t for drugs. It was just for the money.”
Pastor John Welcome of Cumberland Community Church said Rembiszewski had asked his forgiveness when he was brought there by authorities to be identified as the burglar. The church, like others, had tried to help the suspect, giving him supplies and other goods.
“I told him we’d forgive him,” Welcome said. “I feel bad for the fellow and I wish him no animosity. I hope he’s able to turn his life around. But what it comes down to is that he wasn’t robbing us, he was robbing God.”
Welcome said he feels betrayed the church was burglarized by someone they were trying to help.
“It was kind of like biting the hand that feeds you,” Welcome said. “We have forgiven him but it’s biblical that as you sow so shall you reap and in this case, he is going to reap what he sowed.”
At present, there are 15 churches and one community center, Wayside CIC, that have reported break-ins. Lawmen are requesting any other churches and community centers who have unreported break-ins to report them to the sheriff’s department so those can be added to the laundry list of charges.
The following is a list of Rembiszewski’s repeated alleged victims:
First Church of God on Smithville Highway, five counts; Christ United Methodist Church, two counts; Cumberland Community Church, four counts; Arlington Church of Christ, four counts; Way of the Cross Baptist Church, three counts; Highland Church of Christ, two counts; Northside Baptist Church, two counts; Wayside CIC, four counts.
The following were hit once allegedly by Rembiszewski:
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Church of God of Prophecy on Smithville Highway; Pioneer Community Baptist Church, Faulkner Chapel United Methodist, Oakland Church of Christ, Westside Baptist, Christ Community Church and Bybee Branch Church of Christ.