Church con artist charged with stealing

Thursday, May 22, 2008 | 4:12 p.m. CDT; updated 12:41 a.m. CDT, Tuesday, July 22, 2008

COLUMBIA — A man accused of swindling money from Columbia churches and businesses has been charged with stealing.

Alan Farha, 32, was charged with seven counts of misdemeanor stealing by deceit on May 16, Boone County assistant prosecutor Cecily Daller said.

The thefts took place over a monthlong period in locations across Boone County, Daller said.

Farha was arrested on May 11 at the Jacksonville International Airport in Florida for a psychiatric evaluation after he made threats to harm others or himself, Columbia police Detective Steve Brown said. Florida authorities then contacted Columbia police on the following morning.

In April, Farha visited numerous Columbia churches and asked individual members for money and personal information, the Missourian reported earlier. Identifying himself as a journalism student, Farha told hard-luck stories in order to elicit money.

The Boone County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office cannot move forward with action until the requested warrant for arrest is approved, Daller said.


Show Me the Errors (What's this?)

Report corrections or additions here. Leave comments below here.

You must be logged in to participate in the Show Me the Errors contest.


Comments

Leave a comment

Speak up and join the conversation! Make sure to follow the guidelines outlined below and register with our site. You must be logged in to comment. (Our full comment policy is here.)

  • Don't use obscene, profane or vulgar language.
  • Don't use language that makes personal attacks on fellow commenters or discriminates based on race, religion, gender or ethnicity.
  • Use your real first and last name when registering on the website. It will be published with every comment. (Read why we ask for that here.)
  • Don’t solicit or promote businesses.

We are not able to monitor every comment that comes through. If you see something objectionable, please click the "Report comment" link.

You must be logged in to comment.

Forget your password?

Don't have an account? Register here.

Like the Missourian?
Support us with Kachingle!

advertisements