The search is on for a man accused of slipping a phony $100 bill into a offering plate at a Sarpy County church and making his own change.
Because of COVID-19 concerns, offering plates aren’t passed around at St. James Methodist Church near 43rd and Capehart Road.
A church trustee says the man allegedly took advantage by passing a counterfeit $100 bill. “Took the envelope, put it in. Then reached in and pulled some bills out. He made his own change, yes he did," Bill Craig tells 6 News.
Before that, Craig says he noticed the man sitting down 15 minutes into the service.
“And he sat through the sermon,” Craig recalls. As the congregation left, Craig says the man slipped by, but a member saw him making change in the offering plate and alerted Craig.
He found the envelope and written on it was the name “Beau M.” along with a note inside. "‘Want to donate $30, have $100 so I made $70 change. Blessings -- the May family.’”
Security cameras captured the man entering and leaving the church, which could help the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office track him down.
“With all of the pandemic masks are required, well, as soon as he stepped out he pulled his mask down, and thankfully having exterior cameras we were able to capture his face,” investigator Karen Wrigley tells 6 News.
St. James is changing its security procedures and will be keeping a closer eye on the Sunday collection plate.
“Ironically, if that individual had come and asked for help he may have actually gotten more money than stealing the cash from the plate,” Craig says.
If you can help identify the man call the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office at 402-593-2288.