Stealing according to the gospel

Two gospel singers face multiple charges after authorities say they stole US$100,000 ($140,000) worth of speakers, microphones and other musical equipment. Photo / Greg Bowker

Two gospel singers face multiple charges after authorities say they played uplifting music for several Georgia churches, then stole US$100,000 ($140,000) worth of speakers, microphones and other musical equipment.

Sheriff Thomas H. Smith said 28-year-old Deshawn Rico Thomas and 28-year-old Rico Pionegro Blackshear have each been charged with nine counts of theft by taking and nine counts of burglary.

Neither man had a listed phone number. Smith said he did not know if they had attorneys.

Authorities had been investigating nine break-ins at churches in Georgia over the past several months, Smith said. Authorities were tipped off that the pair might be linked to the break-ins and authorities executing a search warrant found musical equipment in the men's homes and cars.

- AP