EDMONDS, Wash. — A former church employee is accused of stealing about $40,000 in 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 following a months-long investigation that began in August when church officials alerted police to the possible theft after noticing the missing 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 equipment. Investigators learned he would then sell the equipment through various means, including OfferUp.

“Everything from musical instruments, drum sets, speakers, stage equipment, microphones and lighting equipment,” EPD Commander Shane Hawley said. “He was actually taking pictures of the equipment while he was employed and posting it online telling people he had access to it and let me know if you want to buy it.”

In addition, police say the suspect falsified billing documents for auto repairs and solicited approximately $10,000 from church members for help with his alleged car repairs.

“He would create false documents related to repair invoices and then convince them that he actually needed the money for the repairs, when in reality his car didn’t need any repairs and he just wanted the cash,” Hawley said.

Church officials at Westgate Chapel declined to comment further on the former employee’s arrest.

KOMO News is not yet naming the suspect because he has not been formally charged. He is currently in custody at the Snohomish Jail for theft and forgery.