DANIA BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) — Police have arrested a man accused of robbing a Dania Beach church multiple times.
Police believe 57-year-old Carl Deblasio is responsible for breaking into the Russian Orthodox Church in Dania Beach twice and may have attempted to break into other businesses nearby.
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office said that Deblasio was seen at least three times breaking into the church. Officials said that, on two separate occasions, Deblasio stole cash. At one point, he allegedly stole $500 from a box that was used to feed the hungry in the area. "You allegedly stole from the church’s collection plate, which was in the lobby of the church, and that was caught on surveillance camera," said Broward County judge John Hurley. "You stole $500 out of that box on the alter."
On Wednesday, Deblasio was arrested. The next day, he was denied bond when he appeared in court.
"It looks like this is ongoing criminal activity. It’s not isolated," Hurley said. "It looks like the people in Dania have something to worry about and at that church, the Russian Orthodox church, allegedly gone back there and back there and committed crimes."
The crook allegedly makes his way into the church by jumping over a chained-link fence. On the first account, he broke the window to get inside, but for his second visit, he pulled the plywood off of the door.
BSO believes Deblasio attempted to break into a nearby antique store. However, he fled the store after a woman inside told him to leave. That woman said she recognized Deblasio and called authorities.
He’s now behind bars facing multiple charges. He remains in the Broward County jail and was given no bond.