POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Grinch in Polk County was arrested after deputies said she stole from Toys for Tots.
Deputies said she filed 28 fake applications to receive toys from the charity and deputies believe this may not have been her first time.
Tammy Strickland, 38, used fake names and Social Security numbers on the applications and listed herself as the contact person, deputies said.
“The real Grinch is stealing from Toys for Tots,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “Well, Tammy, you are going someplace where we lock up Grinches. You are going to the county jail, or Grinch city.
Detectives learned she was also a volunteer for the organization.
A Crimestopper tip sparked the investigation, but organizers said sometimes the type of fraud she allegedly committed is hard to catch.
“It makes you mad and sad to know someone is out there trying to steal toys from children,” said retired Naval officer George Overstreet, who volunteers for Toys for Tots.
The sheriff’s office is still investigating what Strickland planned on doing with all the toys.
“Come on girl. You drive a Cadillac, you steal toys from kids,” Judd said. “We are excited she is in jail. It makes my Christmas a happy Christmas.”
Deputies said they believe Strickland filed at least 15 false applications in 2015 and they suspect fraudulent behavior in 2014.
Cox Media Group
