Accused church burglar denies charges
Accused of stealing items ranging from children’s books to gold-plated collection plates, a man who allegedly burglarizing numerous local churches has entered a not guilty plea.
The defendant, Christopher P. Rembiszewski , entered a not guilty plea this week to 73 counts, including charges of aggravated burglary, theft and burglary. A co-defendant, Dawn Marie O’Leary, who allegedly assisted in some of the crimes, also entered not guilty pleas to her counts. They will face trial Jan. 26.
Rembiszewski was arrested this summer after he was seen leaving the scene of his last theft. He reportedly offered a confession to the numerous break-ins, telling officers the churches were easy targets. In some cases, Rembiszewski had either attended the churches or been helped by the churches.
Lawmen say Rembiszewski stole a variety of items from the churches taking items like electronics, food, money, children’s books and tapes, toys, vacuums, coffee and in one case, gold-plated collection plates.
A total of 13 churches reported being victimized, including Way of the Cross Baptist, First Church of God, Christ United Methodist, Cumberland Community Church, Arlington Church of Christ, Northside Baptist, Highland Church of Christ, St. Matthew’s Episcopal, Church of God of Prophecy, Faulkner Chapel UMC, Pioneer Community Church, Oakland Church of Christ, Westside Baptist and Bluff Springs Church of God.
Wayside CIC and Kwik Kash Pawn and Storage were also reportedly victimized. Most of the churches reported being broken into on more than one occasion.