Chuck E. Cheese Arrested in Orlando After Allegedly Stealing Customer's Credit Card

In a bizarre turn of events that left children in tears and parents in disbelief, a man dressed as Chuck E. Cheese, the beloved mascot of the family entertainment chain, was arrested at an Orlando location on July 3, 2025, for allegedly stealing a customer's credit card. The incident, captured on newly released bodycam footage, has sparked outrage and raised questions about security at the popular pizza and arcade chain.

The drama unfolded at the Chuck E. Cheese on International Drive, a bustling spot known for its video games, animatronic shows, and birthday celebrations. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, a woman reported $100 in fraudulent charges on her credit card shortly after visiting the restaurant. Police traced the suspicious activity to an employee, identified as 28-year-old Jermell Jones, who was working inside the oversized mouse costume that day.

Bodycam footage, released by the Orlando Police Department on September 3, 2025, shows two officers approaching Jones mid-shift as he entertained a group of children. With the iconic purple bowtie and oversized head still in place, the officers can be heard saying, "Come with me, Chuck E." The surreal scene escalated as they led him away in handcuffs, the massive costume swaying awkwardly through the arcade. Children's cries and confused murmurs from parents filled the air as the mascot was escorted to a patrol car.

Jones, a part-time employee at the chain, was charged with theft of a credit card, criminal use of personal identification information, and fraudulent use of a credit card more than two times within six months, according to police reports cited by The Guardian. Investigators allege that the stolen card was found in Jones's possession, linking him directly to the unauthorized charges. The Orlando Police Department has encouraged other potential victims to report similar incidents, providing a dedicated portal on their website to file identity theft or fraud complaints.

The arrest has sent shockwaves through the community, with local parent Maria Delgado expressing her dismay. "My kids love Chuck E. Cheese-it's supposed to be a safe, fun place. To see the mascot hauled off in cuffs is just heartbreaking," she said outside the restaurant on Tuesday evening. The incident has also drawn national attention, with the footage going viral on social media platforms like X, where users have shared a mix of amusement and concern.

Chuck E. Cheese's corporate office issued a statement to PEOPLE magazine, saying, "We have taken the appropriate action concerning the subject employee and are cooperating fully with law enforcement." The company, founded by Atari pioneer Nolan Bushnell and boasting hundreds of locations across the U.S. and Canada, has not disclosed whether Jones remains employed or if additional staff are under investigation.

For Jones, the consequences could be severe. If convicted, he faces multiple felony charges, each carrying potential penalties of up to five years in prison under Florida law. His attorney, who has yet to comment publicly, is expected to argue that the evidence may have been circumstantial, given the chaotic environment of the restaurant.

As the investigation continues, the Orlando Chuck E. Cheese location has resumed normal operations, though the mascot's appearances have been temporarily suspended. Signs posted at the entrance assure families that enhanced security measures are in place. For now, the once-jovial mouse has become an unlikely symbol of a cautionary tale, reminding patrons that even in the land of pizza and prizes, crime can lurk behind the costume.