JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said it recently arrested the man believed to be responsible for a string of break-ins at churches in Northwest Jacksonville.
RELATED: ‘It’s beyond disrespectful’: Police investigating string of break-ins at Northside church
Police said Jose Ortiz, 35, broke into churches “at least eight times” in Districts 5 and 6 and has been charged with multiple counts of burglary and violation of probation.
Officers were able to identify Ortiz as a suspect after stopping him and arresting him on unrelated charges.
“As he sits in jail, detectives are working to return the stolen items to the affected houses of worship,” JSO said.
Police said they began their investigation after a church in a Northside neighborhood was burglarized multiple times in January.
Leaders of the church Power of the Holy Ghost Ministries on Leona Street in the Picketville area said they were still recovering after experiencing two break-ins just days apart.
The first break-in happened on Jan. 13. The alarm was triggered, but there was a delay in police response due to a miscommunication with the alarm company. By the time the police arrived, the intruders had already ransacked the church and stolen valuable items.
“They came in from the side door,” Kenny Freeney, whose mom pastors the church, explained. “They took Peavey speakers, some guitars, and stole the church computers.”
The intruders returned early Friday morning, causing further damage in their search for valuables. They broke windows and damaged doors in their attempt to gain entry.
“It’s beyond disrespectful,” Freeney said.
Freeney said the church has been a staple in the community for years and is known for its charitable work, including providing clothing and food to those in need.
The break-ins have not only caused physical damage but have also placed a financial burden on the church’s leaders.
“We need the community to help us rebuild,” said Freeney. “It’s overwhelming to come out of pocket to fix what was never broken.”
The church is seeking help from the community to replace stolen items, repair damages, and improve security measures. They have set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of rebuilding and securing the church.
