Person-of-Interest Identified in 2nd Donation Jar Theft

Surveillance video prompted an influx of tip calls from local residents

Investigators in Warminster, Pa. say believe they know who's responsible for stealing cash from a donation jar benefitting two local causes for the second time in several months.

Outrage and disbelief have overcome many after an unidentified man walked into the 7-Eleven along Street Road last weekend and stole money from a donation jar for the Wheeled Scotsman Foundation and Christine McGhee Fund.

The undetermined amount of money was taken from a replacement donation jar placed in the store by a local resident after the two original jars were allegedly swiped by two women in late May.

Melissa Ann Sanginiti, 22, and Sofia Ugarte, 23, had just been in court days before to defend their alleged actions when the latest thief hit.

Surveillance cameras captured the man -- whose name police are withholding -- walking into the store, putting his hand in the jar and walking out with a handful of cash.

"It's so clear it's not even funny…he just comes straight in and it's clear as day who it is," Christopher Harper said of the video. His son Joe started the Wheeled Scotsman Foundation to help those with disabilities before passing away from complications with muscular dystrophy in January.

Police say once video of the security footage aired on NBC10 and NBCPhiladelphia.com Monday night, they received an influx of calls from residents claiming to know the man responsible.

"The name that we're coming up with so far is a guy that's local, that's known to us that we've had contact with before," Warminster Police Chief Michael Murphy said.

The man has yet to be named a suspect, but officials believe that decision may be made in the coming days.
 


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