Deputies: Teen robs church of money

PACE, Fla. (WALA) - Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Deputies said an Alabama teen was arrested after allegedly robbing a church in Pace.

Church leaders said the suspect, identified as 17-year-old Samuel Aaron Riley, went into Immanuel Baptist Church looking for help with gas money.

"We are living in a day when people are just really desperate, and they are struggling financially, emotionally and spiritually," said Immanuel Baptist Church Pastor Ronnie Coleman.

Church Administrator Andy Needles said dinner was wrapping up so they offered the teen a plate and he declined. Needles said they were making arrangements to give him some cash, when Riley grabbed the money box.

Church leaders said the box contained about $700 collected from the dinner service. It was sitting on a table, with church members sitting around it.

"I just saw a bunch of guys run out the front door just yelling and my first thought was, 'Someone took the money box,'" said Needles.

Needles said he dropped his plate and ran out the door. Pastor Coleman was out the door, too.

"We were able to get into our pickup trucks and follow him and be on the phone with the sheriff deputy and say 'He turned left here. He turned right there,' until finally they got there and caught him," said Coleman.

When deputies arrived they said Riley and a female passenger, identified as Jessi Strength, were in the truck. A small child was also with them.

Deputies said the suspect initially gave them a false name.

Strength said she stayed in the truck while Riley went into the church. Strength told deputies she had no idea what Riley had done.

Strength said Riley said he was sorry and couldn’t believe he did it.

Riley was charged with grand theft, robbery by sudden snatching, cruelty towards a child, false information to law enforcement, and criminal mischief.

The money box and contents was returned to the church, and Coleman said he wants to connect with the teen and offer him some guidance.

"On one hand, we are like, ‘Let's get the guy. He just stole our money.’ But on the other hand, this guy needs to be ministered to," said Coleman.