A Florida Chuck E. Cheese employee was arrested while dressed as the mascot mouse after a customer accused him of stealing her debit card and using it to make multiple purchases at several different stores.
According to reports, on June 28, a woman who frequents a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant and amusement center in Tallahassee hosted a birthday party there for her child. She later realized the reloadable debit card used for her child support payment was missing. The woman recalled having it at the birthday party, and she thought she might have left it at Chuck E. Cheese. She learned that the card was used at multiple establishments, mostly smoke shops, on four occasions. Between July 3 and July 22, a total of $105 was spent. Each purchase was between $2.00 and $17.00. The woman decided to visit one of the businesses to see if they could help her identify the alleged thief.
When she spoke to someone in charge at the store, she requested the footage from the surveillance camera during the time the card was used to see if the person was caught on video. The woman believed it was one of the workers at Chuck E. Cheese, and she shared the information with the police. Officers from the Tallahassee Police Department went to the restaurant and spoke with the man, who reportedly said he was not involved. When he was searched, it was reported that he had a receipt from a transaction made with the allegedly stolen debit card in his pocket.
The suspect, who was still wearing his costume, was arrested and booked into the Leon County Jail. He is facing preliminary charges of credit card theft, criminal use of personal identification info, and fraudulent use of a credit card. He was released from custody after posting a $1,000 bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a theft offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.