July 25, 2025

Chuck E. Cheese Mascot Arrested for Credit Card Theft

News Summary

Jermell Jones, an employee at Chuck E. Cheese in Tallahassee, was arrested while in the mascot costume for credit card theft. Following a woman’s report of unauthorized charges related to a party at the restaurant, investigations led to Jones, who was found with the stolen card and marijuana during his arrest. Facing multiple felony charges, he was released on a $1,000 bond as concerns about restaurant security and employee conduct arise.

Tallahassee, Florida – Chuck E. Cheese Mascot Arrested for Credit Card Theft

On July 23, Jermell Jones, a 41-year-old employee at the Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in Tallahassee, was arrested while dressed as the restaurant’s mascot. The arrest followed an investigation into a stolen credit card linked to Jones and fraudulent charges made to a victim’s account.

Police received a report regarding the theft after a woman alleged that about $100 in unauthorized charges had been made on her credit card. The charges stemmed from a party held at Chuck E. Cheese in June. Following this complaint, officers began looking into the matter and identified Jones as a potential suspect.

When officers attempted to approach Jones for his arrest, they were informed he was still in the costume. He reportedly became tense and resisted arrest, prompting officers to secure him for safety reasons. During the arrest, investigators discovered that Jones was in possession of the stolen credit card, along with a small amount of marijuana.

Jones now faces three felony charges: theft of a credit card, criminal use of personal identification information, and fraudulent use of a credit card more than twice within six months. After being processed at the Leon County Jail, he was released on a $1,000 bond.

Details of the Incident

Initial investigations revealed video evidence linking Jones to the illegal purchases made with the victim’s debit card. The card was last used on June 28, during the child’s birthday celebration at Chuck E. Cheese, raising questions about how the restaurant’s security could have been breached.

The incident gained traction on social media, with patrons capturing video and images as police led Jones away from the restaurant still in his mascot outfit. Such a bizarre scenario attracted attention from the community and resulted in discussions regarding employee conduct and security protocols in businesses.

Corporate Response

A representative from Chuck E. Cheese confirmed the awareness of the incident involving Jones, who was identified as a part-time employee. The company assured the public that they are taking the matter seriously and are reviewing their internal procedures to prevent similar events in the future.

Background Context

This arrest comes amidst various events in Tallahassee and the broader state. On the governor’s front, Governor Ron DeSantis recently made appointments to the Tallahassee State College District Board of Trustees, while state officials announced investigations into government spending in Broward County and Gainesville. Additionally, the state is still reeling from broader implications of federal policies, including a declared shortage of detention beds affecting immigrant deportation efforts.

Furthermore, the U.S. stock market showed mixed results on July 23, signaling continued uncertainty in economic conditions which may also impact local businesses. In the beverage industry, Coca-Cola is planning a fall launch of a new cane sugar-sweetened soda, responding to consumer demand.

The unusual circumstances surrounding Jones’ arrest, combined with his role as a beloved children’s mascot, may influence public perceptions of both the restaurant and its management. As investigations continue, community members are left to ponder the implications of this episode on both local safety and business integrity.

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Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER

The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER

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