An arrest was made Thursday in the theft of a toy donation box from a Jensen Beach restaurant and bar, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
MCSO says tips from the community led to the arrest of 64-year-old Cecilia Josephine Milano, who had been captured on surveillance video dragging a box of donated toys out of Barbecue Beer Co. on Dec. 12. She reportedly told someone she was taking them to the fairgrounds.
WATCH: Community offers support after donation box theft
“Milano was never asked or tasked with taking the toys for any organization,” says the post.
WPTV’s Zitlali Solache spoke with Paul Kemp, a chef at Barbecue Beer Co., who explained how it all unfolded.
“I was here Friday, but we were so busy that nobody even knew that this thing was gone,” said Kemp.
They realized the next day, when a customer meant to drop off toys and the box was nowhere to be found. Staff immediately checked surveillance cameras, and were shocked to say the least.
“Sure enough, we found the Grinch herself pulling the box out of the front door and we were flabbergasted,” said Kemp. “It was almost surreal.”
Kemp says since the video circulated on social media, there has been an outpouring of support, and local organization Elev8Hope has been able to house two families due to the monetary donations.
“We’re really happy that we found her and justice has been served, but we’re also really happy that we’re able to raise awareness for Elev8Hope,” said Kemp. “We turned the negative into the positive, which was really great.”
Staff will collect donations until Dec. 22.
Milano has been charged with theft and booked into Martin County Jail on a $2,500 bond.
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