Man Jailed and Criminally Charged for Theft of 42 Cents

When Laslo Mujzer, 43, saw the donations in a Florida mall fountain, he clearly decided that he was a good candidate for charity. He took 42 cents before a woman alerted the mall security force. Now, Mujzer is facing a criminal charge of misdemeanor theft. Bail alone costs $500, leaving him $499.58 short.

The mall says that a sign attached to each fountain on its property reads: “All coins donated to Habitat for Humanity of Collier County.” Mujzer it appears was not one of those humans. However, given the fact that the change would barely cover the telephone call from the jail, there is a good question of why a criminal charge had to be brought as opposed to a warning. It certainly sets a new low for the definition of petty theft.

For the full story, click here.