Lorenzo Cerquetta, 43, from Recanati, is on trial at the Court of Macerata accused of theft and extortion against the parish priest of the Church of San Flavino. The man from Recanati blackmailed the priest into giving him 200 euros under the threat of setting fire to the church. On April 9, 2023 he furthermore stole 240 euros from the priest's drawer.
The parish priest of the church, Don Pietro Spernanzoni appeared in court to testify. In addition to Don Pietro two carabinieri were also heard. The 240 euros stolen were obtained through the perpatrator forcing the entrance door open before going into the sacristy and taking possession of the money from Don Pietro's drawer.