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Frederick Nelson, a 66-year-old career criminal, was taken into custody on Thursday for his role in allegedly sneaking behind the altar at St. Joseph’s Church, into the sacristy room, where he reportedly stole the bag of donations during the holiday season, which contained thousands of dollars.
Police confirmed that Nelson has been arrested dozens of time in the past, and he had been released on parole from the Franklin Correctional Facility the day before he allegedly committed the burglary in Bronxville.
According to reports, Bronxville Police Sgt. Richard Anderson, who has arrested Nelson in the past for an incident at Concordia College, recognized him while viewing surveillance videos, which offered a clear image of the suspect. He was tracked down, picked up and arrested in the Bronx Thursday morning.
During the 5 p.m. mass on New Year’s Eve, shortly after the traditional collection, Nelson snuck behind the alter at St. Joseph’s Church, into the sacristy room, stealing the bag of cash before it could be secured in a safe.
Nelson, a Yonkers native, has been charged with a felony count of grand larceny, the same crime he was released from Franklin for just weeks ago. He is being held without bail at the Westchester County Jail and will appear back in Bronxville Village Court on Wednesday, Jan. 20.
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