Cops: Kneeling woman's cash stolen in church

updated 8:28 a.m. ET June 30, 2009

WESTBURY, N.Y. - Nassau County police said a congregant at a Long Island church disregarded at least one of its commandments: Thou shalt not steal.

Police said the 46-year-old woman reached over a pew and took cash from a purse while its owner knelt Sunday at Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church in Westbury.

Police said an usher saw the theft, and officers stopped the woman as she left the church.

Police said they determined the same woman stole cash from another worshipper's purse while that victim took communion May 10.

The woman has been released on an appearance ticket after being arrested on petit larceny charges. She faces up to a year in jail if convicted.

A telephone message left at the church wasn't immediately returned. The woman's phone rang unanswered.

More from msnbc.com Easing job losses point to wobbly recovery Cars are approaching ‘auto’ pilot mode Were you paying attention? Take our news quiz  Facebook’s fantasy games cost more than time How readers got pieces of Berlin Wall | Gallery  Not supposed to worry about troops at home On Twitter: Breaking news updates | Weird and wild

MORE FROM CRIME & COURTS

Crime & courts Section Front

Alleged shooter tied to mosque of 9/11 hijackers Fort Hood rampage brings prayers, questions Suspect identified in Seattle police killing Alleged Fort Hood shooter's lonely life Killings unsolved as sniper execution nears High court to look at life in prison for juveniles Prosecutors seek journalism students’ grades Onlookers flock to site of Cleveland killings Clear warning signs, Hasan's colleagues say NYT: Muslims at Fort Hood voice outrage Crime & courts Section Front   Add Crime & courts headlines to your news reader: