EDMONDS, Washington — A former church employee is accused of stealing about $40,000 worth of musical equipment and embezzling thousands of dollars from the congregation at Westgate Chapel in Edmonds.

The Edmonds Police Department (EPD) arrested the 37-year-old suspect in Fife on Thursday after a months-long investigation that began in August when church officials alerted police to a possible theft after noticing the disappearance of musical equipment.

Police told KOMO News the suspect had only worked at the church for a few months, but was seen on surveillance video taking the materials. Investigators learned he would then sell the equipment through various means, including OfferUp.

“Everything from musical instruments, drums, speakers, stage equipment, microphones and lighting equipment,” said EPD Commander Shane Hawley. “He would actually take pictures of equipment while he was employed and post them online to tell people there was access to it and let me know if you would like to buy it.”

Additionally, police say the suspect falsified auto repair billing documents and solicited approximately $10,000 from church members to help with his alleged auto repairs.

“He would create false documents related to repair invoices and then convince them that he actually needed money for repairs when in reality his car did not need any repairs and he just wanted it. ‘money,’ Hawley said.

Officials at Westgate Chapel Church declined to comment further on the ex-employee’s arrest.

KOMO News has not yet named the suspect because he has not been formally charged. He is currently being held in the Snohomish County Jail on charges of theft and forgery.