Auburn Woman Pays For Meal With Stolen Wallet Left At Pizza Shop
According to reports from the Auburn Police Department in New York, a local woman was arrested and faced charges after taking a wallet left behind at a pizza shop and using cash from it to pay for her meal.
And the whole thing was caught on security cameras.
A Costly Distraction
The incident unfolded on October 1st at the Little Caesars Pizzeria on North Street in Auburn.
According to the Auburn Police Department, a customer placed an order and mistakenly left her wallet behind on the counter before walking out the door.
Moments later, 46-year-old Collena Johnson entered the establishment.
Surveillance footage captured the moment Johnson noticed the ownerless wallet sitting unattended.
Instead of alerting staff or turning it in, authorities say Johnson opened the wallet, pulled out cash, and used the victim's money to purchase her own pizza.
Caught on Camera
After paying for her meal with stolen cash, Johnson took the entire wallet—which contained the victim's cash, credit cards, and debit cards—and left the premises.
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Surveillance video provided investigators with clear evidence of the transaction and the theft.
Following an investigation by Auburn Police, Johnson surrendered to authorities on October 7, turning herself in at police headquarters.
Facing Serious Charges
What started as a quick bite to eat has turned into a serious legal matter.
Johnson was charged with petit larceny, a misdemeanor, as well as fourth-degree grand larceny, a felony charge triggered by the theft of credit and debit cards.
Following her arrest, Johnson was processed and transported to the Cayuga County Jail to await arraignment.
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Police remind the public to always double-check for personal belongings before leaving counter-service businesses and to report any lost items to staff immediately.
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Gallery Credit: Vinnie Martone