CANTON (WWJ) — An Ohio man accused of being “a grinch” ahead of the holiday season has been charged with multiple felonies.
Brandon Keel of Toledo was arraigned earlier this week on charges of larceny of $20,000 or more and receiving and concealing stolen property $20,000 or more, a month after he allegedly stole a trailer full of props belonging to the Plymouth Ballet Company.
The theft happened in the early morning hours on Sunday, Nov. 17 outside a dance studio on Ronda Drive in Canton, in the area of Joy and Haggerty Roads as the 20-year-old allegedly stole a 24-foot-long enclosed black trailer.
The trailer had stage props intended for the ballet company’s performance of “The Nutcracker” — which starred more than 80 area children — in early December.
Canton police investigators worked with the Plymouth Township Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Toledo Police Department. Authorities eventually identified Keel as the suspect and arrested him on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
The 40th anniversary of the ballet company’s “Nutcracker” production was able to go on as scheduled, thanks to more than $18,000 raised via GoFundMe and countless community members who stepped up to help make new props.
The story was featured nationally on NBC News.
Authorities did not say whether the stolen props were recovered.
Keel is also facing the same charges for a separate trailer theft that happened in Plymouth Township. Authorities did not release any details about the second theft.
For both cases, Keel’s bond was set at $20,000 cash and he was ordered to wear a tether, if released. His next court date has been scheduled for Dec. 27 at 35th District Court in Canton.