(JTA) — A synagogue custodian in Massachusetts has pleaded guilty to stealing gold and silver religious items from his place of employment.
Donald Spencer III, 29, stole tens of thousands of dollars worth of items from Temple Emanuel in Worcester, including Torah shields, a Havdalah set and a Kiddush cup, worth more than $70,000. Some of the items were artifacts rescued from Nazi Germany, according to The Telegram & Gazette.
Most of the items, sold to a pawnshop, were melted down for scrap before police found them.
Spencer was sentenced Tuesday in Worcester Superior Court to four to five years in a state prison.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
