Surveillance video shows Richard Hughes taking a TV from Trinity United Methodist Church.
Churches and non-profit groups have been the target of thieves in Chillicothe over the last couple of weeks. Police say seven have fallen victim to thieves, the latest taking a flat-screen TV from a downtown church.
Richard Hughes was arrested after he was seen on Trinity United Methodist Church's video surveillance system this week walking out the back door with the television.
"I was sitting here in my office while he was back there just down the hall and around the corner from me," said church secretary Lois Dickson. "He was very brazen."
She says Hughes had shown up to get assistance from the church food pantry. He gave Dickson his name and address before asking to speak with the pastor. The pastor was in a meeting so Hughes appeared to leave. Video shows he instead began looking for something valuable to take.
"Very sad that somebody has to do those kind of things and steal from a church," Dickson said.
Trinity bought the video system after several items went missing in January. Dickson says it's unfortunate because the money could have been spent on helping the community instead of making sure things aren't stolen.
Chillicothe Police say it's possible Hughes is involved in other thefts, but are only calling him a person of interest at this point.
Officer Bud Lytle says it's sad to see people target organizations that help those in need in the community.
"You start stealing from those and you really start questioning some of the things that are going on today," he said.
Police say Hughes sold the television. They were able to find the buyer. Lytle says it's likely drugs were the motive.
"This would be an estimate of course, but I would say somewhere between 80 to 85 maybe even 90 percent of our thefts are related to drugs and drug addictions," Lytle said.
Churches are being urged to lock their buildings and valuable items up. Dickson says many members at her church don't want the building to become a fortress.
