Texas Man Charged After Allegedly Robbing Church During Sunday Service

BRYAN, TEXAS — Authorities have charged 24-year-old Shedon Augusta with allegedly robbing the Greater Tabernacle Baptist Church during its Sunday worship service, attempting to steal the congregation’s offerings in the middle of the ceremony.

According to local outlet KBTX News, Augusta entered the church after the pastor announced that the collection had been taken. Witnesses say he walked straight to the front of the sanctuary, grabbed offering plates filled with cash and envelopes, and quickly exited the building.

Church members told police Augusta was wearing a mask and kept his hand in his pocket to imply that he was armed, prompting fears that he might use a weapon. Once he fled, congregants immediately called authorities.

Bryan police later arrested Augusta, who reportedly told officers that he stole the offering money because the church had “stolen his money,” KBTX reported.

This is not Augusta’s first encounter with law enforcement. In June 2022, he was arrested twice — once for a handgun possession violation and evading arrest, and another time for performing at a public event without a proper permit in nearby College Station. During that incident, according to WTAW News, Augusta became “loud and openly confrontational” with police before being released on a $300 personal bond.

The incident comes amid a troubling rise in crimes targeting churches and other places of worship across the United States. Federal officials have warned that houses of worship remain vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and violent attacks.

In August, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) awarded $110 million in federal grants to more than 600 faith-based institutions to improve security infrastructure.

“Whether they pray in a church, a mosque or a synagogue, all Americans should be able to practice their religion without fear of terrorism and violence,” a senior DHS official said.

Under President Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem, the department emphasized that its priority is to protect religious communities, redirecting federal grants away from political or environmental projects and toward security for places of worship