Allentown Man Charged in Upper Saucon Church Theft

An Allentown man has been charged in a case involving the theft of cash donation boxes from Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) Roman Catholic church on Old Bethlehem Pike in Upper Saucon Township.

Channel 69 News reported Tuesday that Charles Anthony Bryant, 49, was identified after surveillance photos were distributed by township police.

The Lower Saucon Township Police Department subsequently shared the photos in a post on its new Crimewatch website.

Bryant is charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief, according to court records.

Following a preliminary arraignment before District Judge Michael D’Amore Monday, Bryant was committed to Lehigh County Prison in lieu of $2,500 straight bail, records indicate.

A preliminary hearing in Bryant’s case is scheduled for Aug. 28 at 1:30 p.m.