Fairfax County

Va. Church Volunteer Stole Money From Sunday Offerings: Police

A 53-year-old woman accused of stealing several thousand dollars from a Virginia church faces multiple charges of grand larceny.

After an office employee at Queen of Apostles Parish in Alexandria reported suspicions of a volunteer stealing money from church offerings, Fairfax County Police detectives from the Mason District Station set up a surveillance operation.

Sunday, suspect Sandra Irene Cortes was found taking money from the weekly collection during her volunteer duties, police said. Detectives arrested Cortes and took her to an adult detention center where she was charged with three counts of grand larceny.

A statement from the Queen of Apostles Parish stated the severity of the issue and ensured "the funds provided for use in parish operations and charitable ministries are protected."

Anyone with information or questions regarding Cortes is asked to call 703-256-8035 or 703-691-2131. Anonymous tips can be submitted electronically by visiting www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or by texting “TIP187.” Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards of $100-$1000.

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