MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) — Police have arrested and charged a man in connection to two theft incidents at separate South Florida synagogues.
According to investigators, 54-year-old Roland Guidry was caught on camera stealing a wallet from a congregant at a temple located at 3401 Prairie Ave., March 27, all while dressed in religious garb.
Surveillance video shows the suspect wearing a black yarmulke, seated next to a table where people are praying. Moments after a congregant got up to pray, the footage shows Guidry reaching into the victim’s bag, grabbing the wallet and then walking out.
"That person could use a little more fear of God, and probably that person could have some needs," said the synagogue’s rabbi. "Whatever they were, you have to be pretty desperate to do that."
The rabbi said he was shocked when he first saw the surveillance video. "We value private property, and we value doing the right thing," he said.
Police said this was not the only synagogue Guidry targeted. They said he was behind a distraction theft at the Chabad Center of Kendall, located at 8700 S.W. 112th St., in Pinecrest, March 29.
"A few days later, Chabad of Kendall said, ‘You know what? The same guy came to us,’" said the rabbi of the Miami Beach synagogue.
Investigators said Guidry knocked on the door of the Chabad of Kendall and spoke to a worker outside while an accomplice went inside and removed the donation box containing $40.
The rabbi at the Pinecrest house of worship showed 7News the surveillance video showing what appears to be a younger man taking the donation box. "Now it’s in his hands, he walks out and he leaves," he said.
The rabbi at the Miami Beach temple advised congregants to be more watchful of their belongings. "Beware. Make sure that, as much as we have an open door policy, make sure who goes in and who’s there and keep an open eye on what’s going on in the temple," he said.
The man shown on camera taking the donation box remains at large.
If you have any information on his whereabouts, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.