Law enforcement authorities in Moreno Valley have apprehended a man wanted across the nation for posing as a priest and engaging in fraudulent activities targeting churches. The suspect, 45-year-old Malin Rostas, also known as Moyse Lingurar, had been the subject of a multi-state search by various law enforcement agencies.

Unveiling the Deception

Rostas, operating under the alias “Father Martin,” allegedly utilized deception to gain entry into churches and subsequently commit theft. His fraudulent activities had attracted the attention of authorities nationwide. However, it was in Moreno Valley where deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department managed to locate a vehicle matching the description associated with Rostas.

Swift Apprehension

Upon locating the vehicle on the 10000 block of Pigeon Pass Road in Moreno Valley, deputies engaged with the driver, who identified himself as “Father Martin.” The encounter occurred shortly after an attempted burglary at a local church, prompting deputies to take swift action in detaining Rostas.

Legal Ramifications

Following his apprehension, Rostas, a resident of New York, was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside on an outstanding felony warrant from Pennsylvania. Additionally, authorities anticipate filing further charges related to the attempted burglary in Moreno Valley. The swift response from law enforcement underscores their commitment to addressing fraudulent activities and protecting communities from such deceptive individuals.

Call for Information

Despite Rostas’ arrest, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department remains vigilant, suspecting that there may be additional victims of burglary linked to his activities. They urge anyone with information about this case or similar incidents to come forward and contact the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station at 951-486-6700.

This call for cooperation emphasizes the importance of community involvement in combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all residents.