PORTSMOUTH — A local wedding officiant was arrested Tuesday, Sept. 11, after he allegedly used a credit card stolen from a guest attending a marriage ceremony over which he was presiding, police said.

James C. Stern, 39, of 49 Gormley Ave., was charged with the fraudulent use of credit cards, a felony, after he was found using the female guest’s card to make a purchase at CVS Pharmacy on Turnpike Avenue, according to police.

Detective Lt. Michael Arnold said Portsmouth Police were contacted on Sept. 10 by their colleagues in Newport, who were conducting an investigation into larceny and fraudulent use of credit cards after receiving a complaint from the 29-year-old woman, from Lindenhurst, N.Y.

She told Newport Police her purse had been stolen while she was staying in the bridal room of a hotel in Newport. She first contacted hotel security about the missing purse, which contained $200 in cash along with her debit/credit card, was missing, police said.

While at the wedding, the woman began receiving alerts on her phone that purchases were being made on her credit card, Lt. Arnold said. 

“The purchases were being made in Fall River, Middletown and Portsmouth,” he stated in a press release. “A purchase in Portsmouth was made at a pharmacy for the amount of $206.95.”

Aided by hotel security, Newport Police identified Mr. Stern — the wedding officiant — as the suspect, Lt. Arnold said. Newport Police obtained surveillance video showing Mr. Stern buying a gift card at CVS, he said.

Mr. Stern was arraigned in 2nd District Court on charges brought by Portsmouth, Newport and Middletown police. 

Mr. Stern is a non-denominational minister who has a wedding vendor company called An Amazing Day that offers photo booth and lighting services.

On his website, the married father of two states, “I believe everyone deserves that perfect day regardless of age, race, orientation or income. I am committed to helping you marry your soul mate whenever and wherever you would like.”