Suspect Arrested for Scamming Area Churches and Residents
Suspect Arrested for Scamming Area Churches and Residents
Last Thursday, the Police Department advised area churches to be vigilant about a male suspect that had been attending area church services and committing alleged fraudulent practices to obtain money from members of the congregations and church funds.
The individual attended several area church services and different religious denominations. The individual asked church members for money to help him pay for luggage fees and airline tickets to fly overseas to the Middle East where his parents were killed in a roadside bombing.
The suspect usually requested to make an announcement before church services start or when visitors were asked to introduce themselves. The suspect then told those in attendance at the church service that his parents had been killed in Syria and that he needed money to fly home to be with other family members.
The act of acquiring money by deception is considered theft.
The Police Department has arrested Alan Michael Farha II, DOB/02-10-1976, age 41, for Theft – 2nd Degree. Investigators determined that the suspect deceived several people and churches out of money, totaling $5,000-$6,000. The suspect was arrested in the 1600 block of 4th Avenue SE and transported to the Linn County Jail.
Disclaimer: Any arrest information included above is based on the legal conclusion that, as with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
