'I'm Mad At God,' Says Burglar Who Targeted Queens Houses Of Worship: Police

QUEENS, NY — The homeless man charged with burglarizing four houses of worship in Queens in March and April will also have to answer allegations of committing hate crimes, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown announced.

Joseph Woznik, 23, allegedly stole cash, checks and other items from religious institutions located in Flushing, Woodside and Elmhurst, telling police he was driven by a hatred for God.

“I’m mad at God. I don’t like church no more," Woznik allegedly said during his arrest. "I don’t want to deal with religion. I’m sick and tired of hearing about religion. I don’t break into houses, only churches. I break in to get back at God.”

Between March 21 and April 10, he allegedly broke into four different houses of worship: the Bangladesh Hindu Mandir Temple, Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians, St. Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Church and St. James Episcopal Church, which was hit three times.

The charges against Woznik include grand larceny, burglary and criminal mischief, all filed as hate crimes, Brown said. Woznik is also being arraigned on a Florida fugitive from justice charge for similar crimes. He faces up to 15 years in prison.

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