Over the last few weeks 11 News has broadcast detailed surveillance video that caught a burglar breaking into the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.

The suspect caught on camera and a partner allegedly stole thousands of dollars worth of sentimental heavy bronze plaques that were displayed around the church grounds.

The thief also hit next door at St. Thomas University.

That video, 11 News learned, led to a Crime Stoppers tip, which led Houston police to Ernest Wilson. He has now been charged with theft.

But sadly, the recovered plaques are no longer the same as they once where.

“He bought a chip saw. It is evident someone told him to chop it up,” said Dennis Lavaige, owner of C&D Scrap Metal.

It was at Lavaige’s Heights area store where the alleged thief sold the heavy metal pieces.

“We would not have bought it if it had come in full sheets of plaques and without a written notice that they had the rights to sell it, but it was already chopped up,” Lavaige explained.

Wilson allegedly sold pieces of the plaques to C&D on several occasions. Often coming in with a backpack weighing 200 pounds.

He says after HPD caught the suspect, he went back and looked at all his transactions, which are video taped.

And it didn't take long to find Wilson. He signed his name, showed his drivers license and provided a fingerprint.

Every customer goes through the quick process at C&D. A process that helped police in their investigation.