Man caught on tape returning stolen money from Salvation Army - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - A suspected thief who took a Salvation Army Red Kettle from the Southern Park Mall has been caught on tape returning the money.

Each day hundreds of pennies, nickels and dimes are collected for the needs of those less fortunate, but on Monday one scrooge, impersonating a Salvation Army Employee, took it all for them self.

"He felt the need to steal from the Salvation Army to take the very donations we are receiving to help people," said Major Elijah Kahn.

But then on Wednesday morning, before employees arrived at the Salvation Army, surveillance cameras captured a man taping a note to the door and in that note was an apology.

The note said, "Dear Major Elijah Kahn, here is the money I took plus money for a new kettle and bell. I am sorry for what I did. Please forgive me."

It's not known how much money was in the kettle at the time it was taken or if the $130 taped to the letter will make up for it and the kettle that's worth about $50.

But in the eyes of Major Kahn the act of remorse is payment enough. "I feel there is some set of conviction there. They are feeling convicted for their action," said Maj. Kahn. "I pray for them and I want the very best for them, but I just want to be sure they don't do something like this again."

Boardman police will look at the surveillance video to see if the can identify the person. In addition, they need to confirm whether or not they believe the man seen on the video is the one responsible for taking the money.

As for the Salvation Army, they just ask their kettle is returned so that no one can impersonate a Salvation Army Employee and collect money.