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‘Grinch’ stole jar of money for Toys for Tots, sheriff says

William Smith Smith is accused of stealing a jar of money meant for Toys for Tots. (Marion County Jail)
(Marion County Jail)

BELLEVIEW, Fla. — A Florida man is accused of stealing a jar filled with money which was supposed to go towards buying children toys for Christmas.

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William Smith was arrested after investigators said surveillance video showed him taking a jar full of money from a Dollar General in Belleview, WCJB reported.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Paul Bloom said the jar was filled with approximately $800, which was clearly marked as designated for Toys for Tots.

Surveillance video from inside the store allegedly shows Smith sliding the jar to the edge of a counter before placing it under a baby carrier in a shopping cart, WCJB reported.

In a poem posted to its Facebook page, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said Smith “tried to be smooth, and he tried to be slick, but really nobody fell for his trick.”

Bloom said tips led them to Smith, who he described as a “grinch.”

“This is a tradition that needs to stop, because this is the fifth year in a row that someone has come in and stolen at least one money box from us,” Marion County Toys for Tots coordinator Patrick Joynt told WCJB.

Smith was charged with theft and taken to the Marion County Jail on a $4,000 bond. He also faces drug charges, according to online jail records.

Bloom said he checked the jail cell where Smith was being held to find “there is no chimney in there. He won’t be getting anything from Santa Claus.”

Joynt told WCJB the $800 stolen would have helped at least four or five children.

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