The man who cops said tried to break into St. Joseph Church in Shelton on Thursday night was not there for spiritual guidance. He was there to steal cash to support a drug habit, police said, and they believe he has stolen from other churches in Shelton and Derby as well.
One of the church’s neighbors called police around 5 p.m. to report the break in. When police arrived, they arrested Richard Latham, 42, of Beacon Falls. Cops said Latham had crack and a crack pipe when he was arrested.
He was charged with third-degree burglary, second-degree criminal mischief, possession of crack cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was also charged with possession of crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia within 1,500 feet of a school because St. Joseph School is adjacent to the church.
He was held on a $20,000 bond.
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