Dec. 24--A "Grinch" videotaped stealing a box of toys meant for underprivileged children has been identified and is in custody, according to authorities in Polk County.
Amanda Akins, 27, of Winter Haven, was already in the Polk County Jail on an unrelated theft warrant, as it turns out.
The theft happened Dec. 17 at a Hungry Howie's restaurant in Polk City. Video shows a woman walking into the store and eventually dragging the box full of toys meant for Toys For Tots out the door.
Following up on a citizen tip, detectives interviewed Akins at the jail and she confessed. She now faces a charge of grand theft in addition to the Hillsborough County petty-theft charge that originally landed her in custody.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, who referred to the suspect as a Grinch, expressed satisfaction Akins will be spending Christmas at the jail.
Copyright 2011 - The Orlando Sentinel, Fla.
