Fugitive 'Priest' Wanted In PA Found In Southern California: Cops

MORENO VALLEY, CA — A "fugitive from justice" who posed as a priest and was wanted in Pennsylvania was captured in Southern California, law enforcement officials announced Thursday.

Malin Rostas, 45, of New York, known by the moniker "Father Martin," was found in the city of Moreno Valley, according to the arresting agency, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

The department said law enforcement agencies across the United States were on the lookout for Rostas because of a felony warrant out of Pennsylvania and the "fraud and deception" he used to deceive churches.

Rostas allegedly befriended places of worship under the guise that he was a priest. His real intention was to rip them off, according to the sheriff's department.

Deputies corralled Rostas around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the 10000 block of Pigeon Pass Road after spotting him in a black sedan that matched the description of the one used during the alleged heists, the department said.

He was arrested and booked into Riverside's Robert Presley Detention Center on the outstanding warrant. He is being held without bail.

During the California investigation into Rostas, the sheriff's department said it discovered he had attempted to burglarize a Riverside County church. Details about the church were not disclosed.

Last year, Rostas was charged with one felony count each of burglary, criminal trespassing and theft tied to an alleged burglary in Hamiltonban Township, Pennsylvania, according to the Gettysburg Times. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department said there may be more burglary victims. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Investigator McCracken at the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station 951-486-6700. Victims in areas outside of Riverside County should contact their local law enforcement agency.