Leland man facing charges in church break-in

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Officers with the Leland Police Department said they arrested a man this morning while he was breaking into a church.

A LPD spokesman said just before 12:30 a.m., officers were checking businesses when they found the side door at Inspirational House of Prayer kicked in. Officers went into the church located on Wayne Street and said they found Anthony Thomas Lamontanaro, 49, trying to steal music equipment.

Lamontanaro is facing charges including breaking and entering a place of worship, possession of burglary tools and injury to real property. He was placed in jail under a $15,000 bond.