Chuck E. Cheese Mascot Arrested on Felony Credit Card Charges in Tallahassee

The arrest of Jermell Jones was the culmination of an investigation initiated by a resourceful victim. According to a probable cause statement, Michelle Allen reported to the Tallahassee Police Department that her "child support Visa debit card" had been stolen and used without her permission. She stated that she last had the card in her possession on June 28, during her child's birthday party at the Chuck E. Cheese location where Jones was employed.

In a remarkable display of independent investigation, Allen decided to take matters into her own hands. She visited one of the businesses where a fraudulent purchase was made, Don's Grocery & Meats, and requested to view surveillance footage from the date and time of the transaction. Upon reviewing the security video, Allen "immediately recognized the suspect as an employee at Chuck E. Cheese."

Armed with this information, police officers went to the restaurant to apprehend the suspect. They were told by another employee that Jones was indeed wearing the iconic mouse costume. As one officer approached Jones, he reportedly said, “Chuck E, come with me Chuck E.” Jones allegedly resisted briefly before being handcuffed in full view of customers.

A search of Jones's person yielded the stolen Visa card belonging to Michelle Allen, along with a receipt for a purchase made with the card on July 22. Jones initially denied the theft, claiming that if he had found a credit card, he would have turned it in to management. However, the physical evidence found on him contradicted his statement.

Jones was taken into custody and booked into the Leon County Jail on multiple felony charges. The Florida Statute classifies the fraudulent use of a credit card as a third-degree felony if the total value of transactions is over $100 or if the card is used more than twice within a six-month period. Given the nature of the alleged offenses and the discovery of the card on his person, Jones faces significant legal penalties, including potential prison time and substantial fines.

Suspect's Background and Criminal History
Jermell Jones's criminal record is not limited to this recent incident. Public records indicate that he has been previously convicted of a range of offenses, including theft, cocaine possession, resisting arrest, trespassing, and marijuana possession. This history suggests a pattern of behavior that includes disregard for the law and a propensity for criminal activity. The fact that he was employed at a family-friendly establishment like Chuck E. Cheese, where he would have access to personal belongings and be in a position of public trust, raises questions about the company's hiring and background check policies.

Legal Proceedings and Aftermath
Following his arrest, Jones was held in the county jail before being released on bond. The amount of his bond has been reported to be between $1,000 and $6,500, depending on the source. He is awaiting trial for the felony charges. The video of the arrest, captured by several bystanders, went viral on social media, sparking a mix of reactions from amusement to shock and outrage over the perceived trauma to the children who witnessed the event. The Tallahassee Police Department defended the public nature of the arrest, stating that Jones resisted, forcing them to make the arrest on the spot for safety reasons. Chuck E. Cheese issued a brief statement acknowledging the incident and confirming that the employee had been dealt with "appropriately."