Overview
- Deputies identified and arrested 64-year-old Cecilia Josephine Milano after reports that a box of toys was removed from Barbecue Beer Co. in Jensen Beach.
- Security footage shows a woman dragging the donation box out of the restaurant and telling a patron she was taking it to a donation center, which investigators say did not occur.
- Sheriff John Budensiek said Milano was not authorized to handle the items and was not affiliated with United Way or any nonprofit she referenced.
- The toys were collected for Elev8Hope to support a specific family in need and never reached the intended charity, according to the sheriff’s office.
- Milano was booked into the Martin County Jail on a misdemeanor theft charge and a $2,500 bond, and the restaurant says patrons later brought additional toys.