Deputies in Moreno Valley say they’ve arrested a “fake priest” wanted by authorities across the country.
Various law enforcement agencies across the U.S. have been on the lookout for 45-year-old Malin Rostas, who also goes by the Moyse Lingurar.
He’s accused of posing as a priest, calling himself “Father Martin,” and using deception to steal from churches.
On Wednesday, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department deputies in Moreno Valley located a vehicle on the 10000 block of Pigeon Pass Road that matched the description of the one used by Rostas.
The driver identified himself as Father Martin, and the Sheriff’s Department said he had just attempted to steal from a local church.
Rostas, a New York resident, was taken into custody and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside on an outstanding felony warrant out of Pennsylvania.
Additional charges are expected to be filed for the attempted burglary in Moreno Valley, officials said.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department believes there may be additional burglary victims. Anyone with information regarding this case or similar cases is encouraged to contact the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station at 951-486-6700.