Woman accused of stealing wallet at Houston church

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A woman who was arrested in Florida has been brought back to Harris County to face felony charges related to a wallet she allegedly stole in church.

Harris County DA Devon Anderson announced today that Cynthia Gonzalez Martinez, 46, is charged with credit card abuse, forgery and tampering with a government record. According to court documents, Martinez stole the victim's wallet while the two were attending Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church.

Investigators say Martinez used the victim's checks to make a $399 purchase at a Sam's Club, as well as other unauthorized purchases.

Martinez then reportedly left Harris County and was captured in Florida on unrelated charges.

"Church is a place where people should feel safe. This defendant took advantage of the victims' security, stole their identifying information and repeated this throughout the Harris County area," said District Attorney Anderson.

Martinez made her first court appearance this morning.