Metro Detroit Churches Victimized in Clever Check Theft Scheme

Metro Detroit Congregations Targeted in Church Check Theft Scheme

In a bizarre and alarming turn of events, five individuals are facing serious charges after being caught in what investigators are calling a major theft operation targeting churches across Metro Detroit. The group is accused of stealing checks from various places of worship and even a funeral home. This shocking crime has left many wondering how such violations could occur in their communities.

The Arrest and Charges

On September 27, 2024, police arrested the suspects, who are all being charged with at least four felonies each. The affidavit filed indicates that this group was not only pilfering checks but also found in possession of multiple debit cards that didn’t belong to them and engaged in wire fraud. This crime spree spanned through Livingston, Oakland, and Wayne counties, indicating a well-coordinated plan rather than random acts of theft.

The Operation Unfolds

The investigation traces back to July 4, 2024, when Marian Cretu and Bobi-Kevin Birzan were seen in action at a church in Plymouth Township. According to details from the police report, they used an unconventional method to access the church’s mail: a long tool coated with sticky material to fish out checks from a locked mailbox. Talk about creativity—albeit, in the wrong way!

Over the next couple of months, they made at least ten visits to the church’s mailbox using Cretu’s vehicle, which not only helped them during their crime spree, but also served as a method of identification for law enforcement. Their persistence paid off, as they successfully stole several checks, which they later deposited into bank accounts linked to fake identification documents.

Connections Beyond Metro Detroit

What’s even more chilling is that investigators discovered the checks they pilfered—written to at least 38 different churches—were deposited in accounts tied to a Houston, Texas address. Notably, police found multiple accounts at the same bank associated with foreign nationals, shrouding this operation in an even greater mystery.

The Decoy Gift Card Bust

To emphasize their cleverness—or perhaps their recklessness—on September 20, police staged a sting operation by placing a decoy gift card in another church mailbox. Their surveillance showed that Delphine-Georgiana Epure, one of the accomplices, leaned out from a vehicle, again using a tool to grab the card. Talk about a slippery slope—it was a quick descent, as Epure and her partner were apprehended just days later attempting to pull off another heist at the same church.

Caught Red-Handed

On the day of their arrest, police witnessed Florin Birzan, another suspect, driving around 16 church parking lots, causing red flags to go up for investigators. The duo was then stopped, leading to a discovery of 11 stolen checks totaling over $21,000, cash, and various cards belonging to other individuals. The sheer audacity of their actions has left many in utter disbelief.

Community Reaction

The news of these thefts has shaken the Metro Detroit community. Places of worship are typically seen as safe havens, a stark contrast to this crime wave. Church leaders are now urging their congregations to stay vigilant, especially with the approach of the holiday season when donations typically increase.

As investigations continue, local law enforcement is committed to ensuring that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law. It’s a tough reminder of how quickly trust can be shattered, and a community can feel unsafe. But with increased vigilance from both church officials and law enforcement, there’s hope that the spirit of community and faith will prevail.

What’s Next?

The five suspects face their day in court, and each will be held accountable for their actions. For residents of Metro Detroit, this serves as a wake-up call to protect their community spaces and to be aware of their surroundings. As this situation unfolds, the community hopes for justice and a return to peace in their cherished places of worship.