Bell Ringer Stole More Than $1,000 From Salvation Army Kettle: Prosecutors
(STMW) -- A Chicago man stole more than $1,000 from a Salvation Army Red Kettle while working as a bell ringer, prosecutors allege.
Joe Horton, 52, also tried to use a credit card which he found in a purse that a woman dropped outside the Dominick's store in Naperville where the kettle was located, a statement from the state's attorney's office said.
"The allegations against Mr. Horton are completely outrageous," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said. "The very idea that someone would steal donations meant for the less fortunate is sickening, particularly given the fact that we are in the heart of the holiday season."
Horton, of 6331 S. Justine, is charged with one felony count of identity theft, and one misdemeanor count of theft, according to prosecutors.
On Nov. 30, 2013, a patron at Dominick's notified employees that she had lost her wallet, then reported the loss of the wallet and credit cards to police the next day.
On Dec. 2, 2013, the woman was alerted that someone tried to use her credit card in Chicago, and the investigation led back to Horton, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors said that while working as a bell ringer, he first stole about $1,030 from the bucket, then found the woman's wallet in front of the store and tried to use the credit card.
In court Thursday, Judge Elizabeth Sexton ordered Horton held on a $40,000 bond, and set his next hearing for Dec. 30 before Judge George Bakalis.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
