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Ohio man charged after allegedly stealing childhood cancer donation box

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STRONGSVILLE, Ohio — A Cleveland man is facing misdemeanor charges after he allegedly stole the donation box for a childhood cancer nonprofit from a pretzel store at SouthPark Mall in Strongsville, Ohio earlier this month.

Johnny J. Whitaker, 33, was charged with two counts of theft, according to Berea Municipal Court records.

Auntie Anne's employees noticed the box was missing when they opened the store on July 9. A Strongsville police report said security footage showed a man and woman approach the store on July 8 after employees closed up. 

The report states the man fiddled with a security wire attached to a donation box for Alex's Lemonade Stand and then walked off with it. The box contained an estimated $50 to $75. 

Whitaker later turned himself over to police and pleaded not guilty to theft charges. He is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 24.

If you would like to know more about Alex's Lemonade Stand or donate, click here.