Janitor arrested for Torah theft

NEW YORK, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- New York law enforcement officials say a janitor stole eight Torahs -- worth about $400,000 in all -- from a synagogue.

The officials said Eric Giraldo, 23, allegedly stole the holy scrolls from the Jewish Center of Kew Gardens Hills and hid them in a closet belonging to his friend, Alan Lozano, 28, the New York Post reported Friday.

Both men have been charged with grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property. They could face up to 15 years imprisonment if convicted of the Aug. 16 theft.

District Attorney Richard Brown said "every effort" will be made to have the Torahs returned to the Jewish Center in time for the High Holy Days, which begin with Rosh Hashanah at sunset Sept. 29.