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Feb 13, 2020
Matthew Long, 34 of Lewes, DE, was charged on Wednesday, February 12th for unlawfully entering St. Edmonds Catholic Church and removing a safe containing cash.
On February 3rd 2020, officers were called to 409 King Charles Avenue, St. Edmonds Catholic Church, for a report of a burglary. The investigation revealed that the church had been forcibly entered causing damage to two doors and that a safe containing money valued in excess of $1,500.00 had been removed. Investigators obtained surveillance footage which was utilized to identify the suspect as Matthew Long, a former church employee.
The investigation determined that Long was operating a Ford F-150 pickup truck which he backed onto the yard of the church striking a marble bench, damaging both in the process. Investigators further determined that Long utilized the same vehicle to remove the safe from the crime scene.
Long was later stopped and arrested while operating the same Ford F-150 pickup truck, which had damage that connected it to the crime scene.
Long was charged with Burglary Third Degree, Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of Burglar Tools, and Theft Greater Than $1,500.00, which are all felonies. He was charged with Criminal Mischief, and Breach of Release which are misdemeanors. He was also charged with Driving While Suspended or Revoked, Reckless Driving, Improper Backing, Knowingly Operating a Motor Vehicle on Private Property without the Consent of the Owner, and Driving a Motor Vehicle on a Sidewalk which are all traffic violations.
Long was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $9,125.00 secured bail.
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