Stolen church goods traded for crack

TOWN N' COUNTRY -- Three people were arrested Thursday after authorities wrapped up a week-long investigation into allegations that a homeless couple stole equipment from three area churches and later traded the merchandise for crack cocaine.

Daniel and Angela Lawson were each charged with five counts of burglary, six counts of dealing in stolen property and fraudulent use of a credit card.

Hillsborough sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter said Daniel, 23, and Angela, 22, admitted to stealing from the Tampa Korean Church, 7215 Sheldon Road, the Rocky Creek Baptist Church, 6403 Teresa St. and Camino Church at 6307 Sheldon Road.

Carter said no faith-related items were stolen, but said nearly $20,000 worth of keyboards, speaker stands, an amplifier, guitars and children's toys were taken.

After questioning the Lawson's, deputies served a warrant at the apartment of Dale Hamilton Slater, where investigators found nearly 33 grams of crack cocaine and paraphernalia.

They also found stolen merchandise from the churches and other area businesses.

Slater, 47, of 5514 Wood Forest Drive, was charged with trafficking in crack cocaine, two counts of grand theft and two counts of dealing in stolen property.

-- Casey Cora, Times staff writer