‘Grinch’ given a second chance after charity gift theft at MFPD
Security camera footage from the lobby of the Marble Falls Police Department on Monday, Nov. 10 shows a man seemingly taking something out of the Operation Blue Santa donation box. “The Grinch” came forward and confessed to the crime by Wednesday after a social media firestorm surrounding the incident. Marble Falls Police Department photo
The suspect in a gift swipe from a toy drive bin at the Marble Falls Police Department has reportedly come forward and confessed to his crime. Officers offered “The Grinch” a deal, saying that no charges would be pressed if he replaced the stolen gift.
A Facebook post shared by the Marble Falls Police Department on the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 12 stated that “The Grinch,” had been caught on security cameras taking something out of the Operation Blue Santa donation box on Monday in the lobby of MFPD headquarters, 606 Avenue N in Marble Falls. That post saw an enormous amount of engagement, seeing nearly 1,000 likes, over 250 comments, and nearly 500 reshares in less than one day.
According to MFPD Captain Jimmy Cole, the suspect in the case came forward on Wednesday following the social media firestorm and confessed to the crime. The item taken was reportedly a pair of headphones valued at under $100.
“He actually came forward and confessed,” Cole told DailyTrib. “If he gives back what he took, or replaces it, we won’t press any criminal charges. Let’s just make it even and there will be no more issues.”
The charge for the theft would have been a class C misdemeanor, which comes with up to $500 in fines, but no jail time.
As of Thursday afternoon, the return has not yet happened, but investigating officers believe the suspect will comply with the deal. The identity of The Grinch, will not be released to the public.
Operation Blue Santa is a Christmas charity run by law enforcement bodies all across the country, aimed at bringing in toys and gifts for the less fortunate during the holidays.
I. Really think this person needs help you have to be off to take something from a police station I am glad that he doesn’t have to go to jail and he came forward I guess he learned his lesson this is a small town just about everybody knows each other and on the flip side this brings a lot of attention to the blue Santa program