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Joel Osteen's megachurch targeted by thieves

Thieves stole about $600,000 in cash and checks from Pastor Joel Osteen's Houston church.

By Kate Stanton

Lakewood, the Houston megachurch led by popular televangelist Pastor Joel Osteen, said Monday that thieves had stolen about $200,000 in cash and $400,000 in checks from the church safe.

"We were heartbroken to learn today that funds were stolen from the church over the weekend," Lakewood officials said in a letter to members. They added that the stolen money was limited to funds received during church services on Saturday and Sunday.

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The church also said some of the checks and envelopes contained credit card information, and urged weekend attendees to "pay close attention" to their accounts and report any suspicious activity.

Lakewood boasts more than 40,000 members. Pastor Joel Osteen and his wife, Victoria, lead televised services from the church that are broadcast to millions of people around the world every week.

Church rep Donald Iloff, Jr. told the Houston Chronicle that "Lakewood Church is working in conjunction with the Houston Police Department to investigate this matter."

"We do not want to compromise the investigation by commenting at this time,” he said.

[KHOU, Houston Chronicle]

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