Overview
- Investigators say surveillance showed her dragging a large donation box from Barbecue Beer Co. on Dec. 15 while wearing a Santa-style hat.
- The items were collected for Elev8Hope to support a designated family, and deputies say the box never arrived at the charity.
- The sheriff said she was not authorized to collect donations and is not affiliated with United Way, contrary to statements witnesses reported hearing.
- Milano faces a misdemeanor petty theft charge and was booked into the Martin County Jail on a $2,500 bond.
- Sheriff John Budensiek said the case first surfaced on social media and urged residents to contact law enforcement directly to avoid hindering investigations.