Man steals from church while serving community service, deputies say

Brian Sheppard, 22, accused of stealing items from Big Pine Key church, selling items to pawn shops

BIG PINE KEY, Fla. ā€“ A man from Big Pine Key is facing charges after stealing from a church where he was performing community service, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office reports.

Brian Sheppared, 22, faces charges of grand theft, dealing in stolen property and fraud.

Recommended Videos



According to deputies, the pastor of the Vineyard Community Church noticed several items missing from the church Monday, including computer equipment, an air compressor, Nintendo controllers and two recurve bows.

The pastor said his son found the items at a pawn shop nearby.

Investigators said pawn shop employees identified the man who sold them the items as Sheppard. Sheppard had been serving community service at the church while he was on probation from August to October.

Deputies said Sheppard admitted to stealing the items and pawning them at two separate pawn shops.

He was taken into custody Wednesday.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter @WPLGLocal10


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.