Two Men Accused of Stealing Donations During Rochester Muslim Community Center Burglary

Rochester, MN (RochesterNow)- Two men are facing charges for a burglary and theft reported at a Muslim community center in Rochester. 

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Court documents indicate the alleged burglary and theft occurred on the evening of August 25.

One of the suspects was charged last month and the other made his first court appearance on Tuesday. 

Rochester Men Charged for Break-in and Theft from Muslim Community Center

The person reporting the incident told Rochester police that two men entered the building without authorization, broke into the donation box and stole $600-$700, the complaint says. 

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The center is described in the court document as a religious establishment and a not-for-profit organization.

The complaint also states the building’s front door was unlocked due to ongoing construction. 

Captured on Video

Security cameras captured the alleged break-in and theft. Officers used the footage to identify the suspects as 60-year-old David Joseph Loethen and 60-year-old Steven Joseph Drahos, the charges say. 

Police contacted both of the Rochester men. 

Loethen. Olmsted County ADC

Drahos told officers he took $20 from a basket inside of the community center and Loethen denied taking anything from the building. He stated Drahos handed him a box and instructed him to take it out of the building with other items, according to the complaint. 

Drahos is charged with gross misdemeanor third-degree burglary. Loethen is facing charges of second-degree burglary of a religious building and third-degree burglary. 

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Both men were released without bail following their first court appearances. They’re both due back in court next month.