Crime & Safety
Church Music Director Suspected of Stealing Funds
Jared Burkholder is suspected in theft of thousands of dollar from a Temecula Church
The music director of a Temecula church is under investigation for allegedly stealing funds from his house of worship, a sheriff's sergeant said today.
Jared Lee Burkholder, 33, was arrested Sunday night on suspicion of
burglary, grand theft and embezzlement for allegedly raiding the safe of
Calvary Baptist Church at 31807 Nicholas Road, according to Riverside County
sheriff's Sgt. Terry Jones.
Burkholder posted a $30,000 bond and was released from the Southwest
Detention Center in Murrieta on Monday.
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According to Jones, church employees allege the suspect had beenstealing money for more than a year. The amount allegedly taken was reported to be in the thousands.
"Burkholder was seen coming out of an office where the safe was
located,'' Jones said. "Employees reviewed the video surveillance system and
witnessed Burkholder take ... currency from the safe.''
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A church spokeswoman told City News Service the suspect has been working
there for about 10 years. She declined to comment on the case or confirm
whether Burkholder had been suspended.
