Staff Writer
ASHLAND – Police are continuing to investigate the reported theft of funds being collected for a local boy, 2-year-old Devin Whitmore, who is home recovering from an accident dating back to September. “I want to clarify that the department is actively investigating a case involving the removal of funds from a collection jar at the Ashland One Stop. We had reports of something happening at up to three facilities,” said Cyr Martin, chief of the Ashland Police Department.
Martin said the problem is proving just how much, if any, money was actually taken inappropriately.
“We know a woman took a jar but we just can’t prove how much was taken. She turned in some money but staff at the store have indicated they believe there was more money in the jar than what was reportedly turned in,” he said.
At issue is whether a crime actually occurred. Martin said without proof a crime occurred, it would be difficult to charge the woman, whose name was not released.
“The woman turned in under $100. Staff at the store indicated there was significantly more money in the jar. It’s just hard to prove exactly what had been collected,” said Martin. “It will be difficult to prove how much was there to begin with. Without a starting figure, it’s hard to determine how much, if any, was inappropriately taken by the individual.”
The incident appears to be isolated to the Ashland area. Neither the Presque Isle nor Washburn police has received any reports of similar incidents.
The case remains under investigation. If anyone has any information on the Ashland case, contact 435-6626.
