MARYSVILLE, Wash. -- The suspected burglars who ransacked St. Philips Episcopal Church in Marysville in August were caught weeks later with the help of an online site.
Two suspects broke into the church twice in a three-day period, stealing at least $25,000 worth of items ranging from computers to silver and brass. Some of the items were used during worship and were 60 years old.
"It was a bit like getting punched in the gut -- after having been (punched) in the face," Pastor Terry Kyllo said.
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Thieves target church
Thieves target church
When Marysville police began investigating, detectives say thieves usually try to pawn the items immediately. Investigators used a website called LeadsOnline.com. It's a database that shows items that were sold to pawn shops.
"We can type by the name of the item but there is usually so many pawned that it's hard to say which one it is without a serial number," Marysville police detective Cori Shackleton said Thursday.
Detectives were able to narrow their search to at least 12 pawn shops in three counties. They eventually arrested two suspects and recovered about $20,000 worth of items that belonged to St. Philips.
Kyllo is thankful and even plans to meet with the suspects and forgive them for their crimes.