MT. STERLING, Ky. (LEX 18) — Police have arrested a woman who is accused of removing items from a donation bin at TK's Gymnasium in Montgomery County.
Volunteers with Arms of Love posted to their Facebook page Wednesday, as they were hoping to identify the woman captured on surveillance video removing toys from a donation bin.
Arms of Love is a charity organization that operates out of TK's Gymnastics-Sports Center in Mount Sterling. The group collects new and gently used items to give to needy children for Christmas.
"So our goal is that every kid leaves here with a smile on their face and brightens their Christmas," said Eric Jones.
Jones, in addition to being county jailer, serves on the board for Arms of Love.
He and Tammy Lockridge, also with Arms of Love, were stunned at the video capturing the woman pilfering through the bin and removing items.
"First of all, hurt and anger. Because nobody has to steal. Anybody that knows me personally, I would give the shirt off my back. Anything they ever needed, I would've given to them," said Lockridge.
The Montgomery County Jailer told LEX 18's Conroy Delouche that the sheriff's office spoke with Elizabeth Turner, the person identified in the video. Turner told them that her friend had accidentally dropped the items off and she was asked to retrieve them.
The jailer said that during a background check, law enforcement discovered a warrant out of Menifee County for theft by unlawful taking, Authorities searched her car and found the boxes taken from the donation bin, as well as drugs, according to the jailer.
Turner was arrested and charged with theft by unlawful taking and drug possession.
The items taken from the donation bin were returned to the gym.
They are still accepting donations. The annual Christmas Gift Giveaway will take place on Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. at TK's Gym.
Arms of Love is still looking for volunteers to help out. If you're interested, you can arrive at TK's Gym at 3 p.m.
