Police say an East Setauket elementary school custodian confessed Friday to stealing money out of parents? pocketbooks.

After receiving reports of stolen money, a hidden camera was installed at Setauket Elementary School. Police say the camera captured head custodian Robert Messina stealing $200 from the pocketbook of a parent.

Messina told police he stole the $200 during a fundraiser when several pocketbooks were left in another room at the school. According to police, Messina had been in charge of locking up that room at Setauket Elementary School. Investigators say he also confessed to three prior thefts.

Messina was charged with four counts of petit larceny.