Pastor accused of shoplifting

Image via WikipediaPITTSFIELD — The pastor of a New Ashford church is accused of shoplifting merchandise at the Carr Hardware he worked at in Pittsfield.

Joseph D. Slonski, 53, of Windsor Road, Savoy, was charged with shoplifting by concealment after allegedly stealing a chainsaw chain valued at $25.99, according to Police Capt. Patrick F. Barry, head of the department's detective bureau.

Slonski pleaded not guilty to the charge Tuesday in Central Berkshire District Court.

The date of the alleged crime was not immediately available, and Carr officials had little to say about the incident when contacted by a reporter on Wednesday.

"I cannot comment at this time," said Bart Raser, an owner of Carr Hardware/Just Ask Rentals on North Street.

Police said Slonski was an employee of the North Street hardware store. He also is pastor of the Christian Harvest Center, "a full gospel church" located on Mallory Road in New Ashford.

"(Slonski) was an employee" of the Pittsfield store, Raser said, adding that the Savoy man no longer works there.

Slonski did not return messages left at his home and church.

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