Sheriff investigating Angel Tree thefts

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The case of the stolen-not-stolen Angel Tree gifts took another twist Friday morning when the Kent County Sheriff's Department confirmed the incident is an active and ongoing criminal investigation.

On Wednesday, a woman walked into three Angel Tree dropoff locations and collected the donated toys allegedly for the Salvation Army. Surveillance photos showed a well-dressed woman gathering the toys and walking out.

Three separate police reports were filed from workers at the dropoff spots -- Delta Imports, Huntington Bank and the Ramada Plaza, all within a short distance of each other on 28th Street.

Late Thursday afternoon, the Salvation Army said the woman was an overzealous volunteer whose "intentions were good" and was trying to do a favor for the organization. Spokesman Roger Snider told 24 Hour News 8 the woman dropped off the toys to a Salvation Army center, and they were all accounted for.

But Friday morning, the sheriff's department said they believe the woman returned at least some of the toys to an area department store for cash. They also believe the woman may be involved in similar thefts in the Greenville area and throughout lower Michigan.

"Our investigators have evidence that the woman was trying to bring the toys back to a local store in exchange for cash," said Lt. Kevin Kelley. "We are trying to build our case."

No arrest warrants have been issued yet. The Sheriff's Department said it was unfortunate those surveillance pictures were released to the media because they may have compromised the investigation. The woman's story may have changed as a result.