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Updated: 7:22 PM Dec 9, 2010
UPDATE: 4 Arrested in Apparent Kettle Theft Hoax
The Salvation Army bell ringer who told Albemarle County police that he'd been roughed up and had his kettle stolen has been charged with embezzlement and making a false report. At least three others have been arrested in connection to the incident.
Posted: 11:52 AM Dec 9, 2010Reporter: Stephanie Satchell Email Address: Stephanie.Satchell@newsplex.com |
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15 Comments 
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December 9, 2010
The Albemarle County Police Department announced Thursday the arrest of four individuals in connection with the strong armed robbery of a Salvation Army collection kettle outside Sam's Club on Nov. 30.
According to arrest warrants obtained by CBS19 (liked at left), the bell ringer who told Albemarle County police that he'd been roughed up and had his kettle stolen is now charged with embezzlement and making a false report.
"That's where the shock comes in. It was his first day on job and so early in his day, I just couldn't believe he would have any involvement in that," said Major Allen Johnson, of the Salvation Army.
Lawrence Egnor, 43, made his first appearance in court Thursday morning through a video link from jail. A law enforcement source told CBS19 the misdemeanor charges stem directly from the alleged kettle theft. The warrants show Egnor was charged and arrested for embezzling less than $200 from the Salvation Army and knowingly giving a false report to a law enforcement official about the commission of a crime.
"I'm sorry for him. I think he has to deal with the issues that he created if he's involved with this," said Maj. Johnson.
Also arrested were 52-year-old Emory Sliger, 44-year-old James Shifflett and 46-year-old Rhonda Johnson, all from Charlottesville. Sliger has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor larceny with the victims being the Salvation Army and Sam's Club, Shifflett with one felony count of larceny and Johnson with one misdemeanor count of receiving stolen goods.
Egnor, Sliger and Shifflett are being held at the Albemarle/Charlottesville Regional Jail on a secure bond. Johnson was released on a summons and is scheduled to appear in the Albemarle General District Court on Dec. 20.
"This is an unfortunate incident for the Salvation Army and for the Sam's Club people that were involved," said Sgt. Darrell Byers, of Albemarle County Police.
The alleged incident took place Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 30. Egnor told police he was approached by a man and pushed against the wall, hitting his back on a pipe. Egnor told CBS19 in an interview just after the theft that he'd been on his first day ringing the bell at Sam's Club.
Here's how he described the incident: "I really wasn't paying too much attention when all of a sudden this big person come and took their hands and slammed me up into the wall. I fell down and hit my lower back on the curb and they stole my bucket... I think it's bad to take from a charity that's trying to help, why don't you just go to the Salvation Army and ask for help. I hope you can live with your conscience for what you did to the families and the people who need that money."
Major Johnson also had a message for the people who donate their money to the Salvation Army's red kettle campaign, saying, "Please don't give up on us. Please, please, please support the efforts of the Salvation Army."
We welcome your comments on this story.
Latest Comments
Does Willie Nelson have a younger brother?
Check out what the Charlottesville district court website has to say about Lawrence Wayne Egnor and Emery Augusta Sliger. What a bunch of losers.
Atleast now with the city sponsoring those coming out of jail with employment, he will had a job when he gets out. Way to go CHO!
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