Shocking Heist: $350K Stolen from Jersey City Church by Two Men – The Details You Need to Know!

Shocking Theft: Two Men Charged in $350,000 Church Scam!

In a startling turn of events, two men from Franklin Lakes are facing serious charges after allegedly orchestrating a high-stakes theft from a Jersey City church. The scheme, which involved a staggering $350,000, has raised eyebrows and ignited discussions about trust and accountability within religious institutions.

The Accused: Who Are They?

• Christopher Poppe, 35 years old
• Glen Poppe, 65 years old

Both men were apprehended by the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, led by Esther Suarez. Following their arrest, they were released pending their initial court appearance, which is set for October 15.

The Allegations: A Deceptive Scheme

The allegations stem from a construction contract awarded to Centurion Companies, a business associated with the defendants, by the St. George & St. Shenouda Coptic Church in Jersey City in 2021. The church, trusting the company to handle its renovation needs, issued payments exceeding $350,000.

Key Findings of the Investigation

• Payments were made to Centurion Companies for additional services.
• Falsified records were submitted, suggesting that payments had been made to third-party contractors.
• In reality, the funds were never distributed to these contractors.

Legal Consequences: What Lies Ahead?

Both Christopher and Glen Poppe are facing charges of Theft by Deception and Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception. Additionally, Christopher Poppe is charged with three counts of forgery.

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What Do You Think?

• Should religious organizations implement stricter financial oversight to prevent fraud?
• What impact does this incident have on the trustworthiness of community organizations?
• Do you believe this is an isolated case or indicative of a larger problem within non-profits?
• How should the legal system handle cases involving theft from religious institutions?

We invite you to share your thoughts and engage in the conversation! Your opinions matter.