Florida man accused of stealing $400 from Girl Scouts at a Publix grocery store

ST. AUGUSTINE , Fla., May 5 (UPI) -- A Florida man hasn’t been accused of taking cookies from the cookie jar -- he’s been charged with stealing the whole thing.

Edmund Allen was arrested by deputies in St. Johns County and charged with grand theft for allegedly stealing a jar containing $400 that belonged to a local Girl Scouts troop.

Allen allegedly swiped the jar from a Publix in St. Augustine while Girl Scouts at the grocery store were selling cookies.

The 22-year-old was identified and arrested two days later while he was smoking marijuana in a shed with another 22-year-old man.

The suspect must have spent the money, because police say that it cannot be recovered.

“The monies in this case cannot be recovered due to the actions of the arrested individual," Sheriff David Shoar told WJXT.

Local businesses and individuals, including Shoar, are donating money to help the Girl Scout troop recoup its losses.

“I am pleased that the collective law enforcement community made a donation through our local lodge, and I am honored to make a personal donation to this group of girls, who are making a difference in our community,” Shoar said.