Man arrested for stealing donation jar off counter

By Rosemary K. Otzman
Independent Editor
Christopher Michael McDaniel, 36, who told police he was homeless, was arrested at about 3:55 p.m. on Aug. 27 for stealing a donation jar off the counter at Sam’s Place restaurant on Main Street in Belleville.
Police Chief Gene Taylor said McDaniel was charged with larceny from a building under $200 and was arraigned at 34th District Court. His preliminary exam is coming up.
Chief Taylor said McDaniel admitted he took the donation jar to the restroom, emptied it, and threw the jar away in the trash.
The jar was put out to collect money for the wife and two children of a man who was killed in a car accident.
The wife called Belleville Police Cpl. Todd Schrecengost to thank him for arresting the man.
Chief Taylor said this was the same man who was arrested for the Mr. Goofy’s car wash grab of cash from the office and the Dollar Store robbery last spring.