Overview

• Jermell J. Jones was taken into custody July 23 at a Tallahassee Chuck E. Cheese while wearing the full mascot costume and booked on felony counts of credit card theft, identity misuse and repeated fraud.
• He remained in Leon County Jail overnight before posting a $1,000 bond and being released the following morning.
• Photos and videos of officers handcuffing the costumed mascot went viral, sparking widespread online discussion over law enforcement’s handling of arrests in family venues.
• Chuck E. Cheese said it took appropriate action against the part-time employee and the Tallahassee Police Department defended its decision to make the arrest on site.
• Under Florida law, using a stolen card more than twice within six months triggers enhanced felony charges as Jones now awaits trial.