Man Accused of Stealing Thousands From Fall River Churches

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — Fall River Police have arrested a man for allegedly breaking into and stealing from two churches in the city.

Timeline of the Church Thefts

According to police, officers were dispatched to Holy Name Church on Hanover Street at about 7:45 p.m. on July 8 for a reported break-in. They said that a church member reported seeing “a thin white male with dark hair, wearing a red t-shirt, exiting the building as the alarm was activated.” The suspect reportedly then fled the area on foot in the direction of President Avenue.

Officers then searched through the church and did not find any signs of forced entry.

“All doors and windows were secure, and nothing appeared to be missing,” police said. “The interior was also cleared, with no unauthorized individuals located inside.”

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Police noted that there had been two previous break-ins at Holy Name Church. On June 22, $6,000 in donated funds were reported stolen. On July 6, it was reported that $1,300 in donated funds had been stolen.

How Police Identified the Suspect

Neighborhood security footage and eyewitness statements led detectives to identify Joseph Costa, 36, as the suspect.

“Surveillance footage from July 6 captured Costa walking toward Holy Name Church empty-handed,” police said. “Moments after the reported theft, he was seen walking away from the area carrying a plastic bag consistent with those used by the church to store donated funds.”

Previous Incidents Involving the Suspect

Costa was also linked to an incident on March 28 at Saint Anthony of the Desert Church on North Eastern Avenue.

“Footage showed a male matching Costa’s appearance and gait leaving the church after a set of church keys had been stolen,” police said. “A witness in the church observed Costa taking $2 from a collection box. When Costa turned and noticed the witness watching him, he put his head down and handed the witness the $2 before leaving.”

Charges Filed Against Costa

Costa was arrested on July 8 and charged with three counts of breaking and entering into a building in the daytime for a felony, and two counts of larceny over $1,200.

Costa's Prior History of Alleged B&E

A man named Joseph Costa who is the same age was also arrested in 2022 for allegedly trying to break into a Fall River photography studio.