A man accused of duping church members in Cedar Rapids, has has been arrested on Second Degree theft charges.
Police say 41 year old Alan Farha II is accused of tricking people into giving him money, to pay for airline tickets and luggage fees.
Police say Farha would go to several area churches, and different religious denominations. He'd ask to speak before services, and explain his parents had been killed in Syria and he needed money to fly home and be with other family members.
Cedar Rapids Police Spokesman Greg Buelow tells WHO Radio News Farha is accused of targeting 15 area churches and faith groups, as well as organizations, since mid-April. Authorities have learned Farha has been arrested on similar charges in multiple states.
Investigators say Farha collected between $5,000 and $6,000. He was arrested in the 1600 block of 4th Avenue SE and was taken to the Linn County Jail.