JENSEN BEACH, Fla. — A 64-year-old woman has been arrested after allegedly stealing a donation box filled with toys from a restaurant in Jensen Beach, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
Arrest Made After Surveillance Footage Identified Suspect
Authorities say Cecilia Josephine Milano, 64, was taken into custody on Thursday, December 18, 2025, and charged with theft in connection with the incident.
Investigators said the theft occurred on December 12 at a local Jensen Beach restaurant where community members had placed a donation box of toys meant for a needy family during the holiday season.
Surveillance video reportedly shows Milano dragging the large box of toys out of the restaurant. When confronted by a patron, deputies said she claimed she was taking the items to a donation center — a statement later determined to be false.
Toys Never Reached Their Intended Recipients
According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Milano was not authorized by any organization to handle or transport the donations. Investigators said the toys never made it to any donation facility. The sheriff’s office confirmed that Milano was booked into the Martin County Jail and is being held on a $2,500 bond.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
Local residents expressed disappointment over the theft, as the donation drive had been organized to support underprivileged families during the holidays.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office reminded residents to report suspicious behavior around donation sites and to confirm that anyone collecting charitable goods is affiliated with an authorized organization. Stay with HonkNews.com for further updates on this case and other community safety stories across Florida.