Cedar Rapids Man Who Scammed Churchgoers Has Long History Of Church Scams

Cedar Rapids police have arrested a man they suspect attended church services and scammed members. TheCount.com has learned, the suspect, Alan Michael Farha II, has a long history of praying on the churchgoers’ generosity. Farah has been accused of scams going back to 2007 from Columbia, West Virginia, New York and Chicago. One group minister bought Farha a bus ticket just to get him out of town.

Cedar Rapids police say they arrested 41-year-old Farha, aka, Alan Farha II, in the 1600 block of 4th Avenue SE, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Police say Farha attended services at several area churches and told members his parents were killed in Syria in a roadside bombing and he needed money to be able to fly home to be with family. According to police Farha would either request to make an announcement before the services began or would make his pitch at the point visitors were asked to introduce themselves. Investigators believe Farha scammed several people and churches out of $5,000 to $6,000. h/t kcrg

Farha is charged with second degree theft.

In 2008, Rev. Thomas Saucier (pictured below top left,) of St. Thomas More Newman Center at the University of Missouri had several contacts with Alan Farha II. His clean-cut appearance disguised his true intentions of scamming churchgoers out of money.

Top right, Bob Wood, owner of Dawson Shoe Repair, gave his last $10 to Farha. Wood said Farha tried to get him to open the cash register and was very persistent in asking for money. Above right, Shakespeare’s Pizza employees, from left, Adam McCall, Kate Riffhard, Levi Trinkle and Andrew Weir talks about visits from Farha. Farha asked for money and pizza on various occasions. Above left, Studio 311 employees, from left, Ann Caldwell, Tina Jones and Dove Rowe have had their share of contact with Farha. source