Fake Priest Can’t Fake Out Cops; Wanted In PA, Suspect Now Jailed In Riverside Facing New Charges

Law enforcement agencies across the United States have been on the lookout for a serial burglar posing as a priest, “Father Martin.” The suspect reportedly gains access to churches by using fraud and deception to commit theft. He was last seen driving a black hatchback sedan. 

On Wednesday April 10th 2024, about 11:00 a.m., deputies from the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station located a vehicle on Pigeon Pass Road, matching the description of the vehicle used during the burglaries by this phony priest Father Martin.

The driver of the vehicle was 45-year-old Malin Rostas, a resident of New York, who also uses an alias of Moyse Lingurar.

He was arrested on an outstanding felony warrant out of Pennsylvania for burglary. 

Moreno Valley Investigators discovered Rostas is the infamous “Father Martin” and had just attempted to burglarize a church in Moreno Valley.

 He is jailed in Riverside facing additional charges.

The Sheriffs Department says there may be additional burglary victims. Anyone with information regarding this case or similar cases is encouraged to contact Investigator McCracken at the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station at (951) 486-6700 or their local law enforcement agency.

Suspect Malin Rostas arrested in Moreno Valley April 10th 2024.

Photo from Riverside County Sheriffs Dept