From Hymns to Handcuffs: Sterling Man Arrested after Burglarizing Multiple Churches

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Fairfax County, VA – Detectives from our Criminal Investigations Division have arrested a man for his involvement in multiple church burglaries throughout the county.

On August 5, at 9:42 a.m., officers responded to the 8200 block of Little River Turnpike in Annandale for a burglary report. Officers learned that a suspect entered a church overnight and attempted to steal property. Detectives from our Criminal Investigation Division responded and assumed the investigation.

Through the course of the investigation, detectives identified Steven Hildner, 56, of Sterling as the suspect.

A search warrant was executed at Hildner’s residence in Loudoun County with the assistance of the Leesburg Police Department. Evidence was collected that connected Hildner to additional burglaries that occurred at churches throughout the county.

Below are the locations Hildner was linked to:

On August 13, Hildner was arrested and charged with five counts of Burglary, two counts of Grand Larceny, and Petit Larceny. He is being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center on no bond.

Detectives continue to review evidence to confirm Hildner’s involvement in other cases. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to call the Mason Police Station at 703-256-8035, option 2. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web –Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App and follow the steps to “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.

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