Cops Nab Church Burglary Suspect

A 49-year-old man was charged Wednesday in a January burglary of a center city church, according to court records.

Andre West, who has no known address, allegedly took $160 cash and eight Giant Food gift cards, each worth $100 during a January 14 burglary of the , 75 E. Market St.

The church’s financial secretary called police on January 16 after discovering that the items were missing from her office desk, according to the arrest warrant.

The church custodian told police that she spotted a suspicious man walking around the office area, which is not open to the public, at about 12:15 p.m. January 14, court papers say. She told police that she confronted the man and he immediately left.

Surveillance video of the office showed a man who looked like West climbing over office cubicle walls to get in and outside the office, the affidavit said. The custodian also identified West in a police lineup.

West was charged with felony burglary, criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property.

He was arraigned before night duty and committed to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bail.