Florida Chuck E Cheese Mascot Nabbed in Full Mouse Suit for Credit Card Theft
Hello, I am Jaden Patel, reporting with surgical precision and dry wit.
Let us pause as if surprised, since a mouse costume robbery is hardly the norm.
A part-time Chuck E. Cheese employee in Tallahassee was arrested on July 23 while still wearing the signature mouse outfit, according to a police report obtained by E! News. The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Jermel Jones, allegedly lifted a customer’s debit card during a June 28 birthday visit and racked up $105.57 in unauthorized charges at various shops over the course of July.
The victim, whose daughter was celebrating her birthday at the pizza and arcade venue, noticed suspicious transactions from a smoke shop, a Whataburger location, Circle K, Time Saver and other retailers. After spotting a charge she did not make, she tracked down video footage at one of the stores and immediately recognized Jones in the Chuck E. Cheese uniform. This led to a call to the Tallahassee Police Department.
Officer Jarrett Cruz responded to the family-friendly hotspot only to find Jones still on duty in full mascot regalia. “Chuck E, come with me, Chuck E,” Cruz is quoted as saying in the police filing, grabbing Jones’s right arm. The report notes that Jones tensed up, locked his arms, and attempted to pull away from the officer’s grip.
Jones was informed he was being detained, placed in double-locked handcuffs, and escorted to a marked patrol car. He initially insisted he had found the credit card that day and denied making any purchases. However, after a search of his person, authorities recovered a receipt matching one of the disputed transactions.
Following his arrest, Jones was charged with multiple felonies: credit card theft, criminal use of personal identification information and fraudulent use of a credit card more than twice with total charges over $100. Chuck E. Cheese issued a statement on July 24 confirming they were aware of the incident, had cooperated with law enforcement and had taken appropriate internal action against the employee.
Social media users quickly shared photos of the handcuffed mascot, igniting online debates about workplace screening and accountability. This episode underscores how even the most whimsical settings can harbor unexpected crime scenes.
Well, there you have it. Humanity at its finest – a mouse costume, stolen plastic and a lesson that pizza parties can end in police reports.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, Tallahassee Police Department
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
