Ex-deputy suspected in dognapping

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 10 (UPI) -- A former Florida sheriff's deputy has been charged with stealing a teacup Chihuahua dog worth $950 from a Putnam County pet store.

John Lee May, 39, is accused of walking out of Acme Pets in San Mateo, Fla. with the one-and-a-half pound puppy in the pocket of his jacket, the Jacksonville Times-Union reported Wednesday.

May was nabbed after store owner James Poole said he recognized him as someone he had done business with in the past. A witness told police he saw May take the dog out of her cage.

Poole said he left May alone in the area where the Chihuahua was caged even though he thought it odd that May was wearing a heavy, hooded camouflage jacket on a 90-degree day.

May, currently free on bond, has denied taking the puppy.

"Something that is unique or pretty or a little bit different, people will snatch it," says Poole. "I just hope the dog is all right."

Poole is offering a $200 reward for her return.