Four churches broken into in just two weeks, and now a Marion County man is behind bars.

News 13 spoke to residents who are shocked the accused thief would target places of worship.

Flat screen TVs, computers, cameras, and cash. They may look like theft reports from an electronics store, but police say this man was targeting Ocala churches, hauling away any valuable item he could find.

“Years ago you wouldn’t hear about anything like that, because people respected what was holy. Now the churches have gotten so integrated into technology that they have things people would want to steal,” said Hillary Locker.

Four different churches were broken into in September over a two week period, all within a couple miles of each other, some of them multiple times.

The last time a cleaning lady at New St. John Missionary Baptist Church heard the glass break, and called 911.

Police spoke to 23-year-old Demario Carter who said he witnessed a teen take off from the scene.

But as police continued to investigate days later they figured out that witness was actually their suspect.
“You get some information you get some co-defendants you get some forensics all of that came together so we had put it out that we were looking for him what happened yesterday was finding out where he was,” said Sgt. Angy Scroble, Ocala Police Department.

U.S. Marshals helped surround a home, and take Carter was taken into custody. Two women were also arrested for receiving stolen property. Police say they pawned the electronics for him.

"No one was at any of the churches victimized when I visited them today, something both Pastors and Police say they realize can make them targets. As a result of the break-ins this church's pastor says he’s upgraded his security system."

Each pastor I spoke with over the phone also said they will be praying for suspect, as will Hillary Locker.

“We’re all sinners I can’t judge that person any differently from anybody else. Who knows what their need was,” said Locker.

Carter is also charged with burglarizing two homes. News 13 tried to speak with him but he declined our request for an interview.