Arrest of Con Man Who Posed as Visiting Priest and Stole from Queens Rectory
Police recently apprehended a con artist who masqueraded as a visiting priest and committed a burglary at a rectory in Queens. Rostas Malin, 45, was taken into custody and charged with larceny and theft related to the scam that occurred on March 3.
Deceptive Tactics Used by the Scam Artist
Malin, a Queens resident, duped a 63-year-old priest at Martyrs of America Roman Catholic Church on Bell Avenue. Pretending to be from another country near Union Turnpike in Mount Hollis, he gained the priest’s trust and was invited into the rectory. Once inside, Malin stole $900 from the priest’s bedroom, using his cover as a visiting priest to commit the crime.
Swift Escape and Pending Legal Actions
After pocketing the money, Malin fled the scene, leaving the priest unharmed but undoubtedly shaken by the invasion of his personal space and trust. Police managed to track down Malin and have arraigned him in Queens Criminal Court, with legal proceedings underway as of Thursday evening.
Impact of the Scam on the Church Community
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of places of worship and the need for heightened security measures to protect both clergy and congregants. The theft not only violated the sanctity of the rectory but also eroded the sense of safety and trust within the church community. Moving forward, it is crucial for the church to reassess its security protocols and educate members on how to spot and prevent similar scams from occurring in the future.
By swiftly apprehending Malin and holding him accountable for his actions, authorities have sent a clear message that fraudulent behavior will not be tolerated in the community. The justice system will now work to ensure that Malin faces the consequences of his criminal actions and hopefully deter others from attempting similar deceitful schemes in the future.
