HOUSTON — Authorities are searching for a man they said has been impersonating a priest to gain access to churches and steal from them, according to a memo sent by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
The man, who called himself "Father Martin," is believed to have targeted multiple parishes around the country. According to the memo obtained by KHOU 11 News, "Father Martin" researched and targeted specific churches to learn about staff members to gain access. He would claim to be a visiting priest from out of state to get access.
According to the memo, the fake priest stole from a southwest Houston church. He told a staff member that he was supposed to be staying in the parish rectory. He was given access and that's when he stole from them. It's unclear what he took.
The memo was sent on Oct. 30 although it's unclear when the theft happened.
Father Martin didn't only strike in Houston, though. The memo said he had been seen at several locations in the Diocese of Dallas and also had outstanding warrants from around the country.
The Diocese of Dallas confirmed that the imposter recently gained access to five churches or diocese properties -- two in Downtown Dallas, one in northeast Dallas, one in southwest Dallas and one in Farmers Branch.
The Fort Worth Diocese said it has had no reports of interactions with the fake priest.
The memo sent by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston asks anyone who sees Father Martin to call the police.
The Houston Police Department didn't immediately respond to a request for more information about the theft.