Florida Woman Faces Felony Charges For Stealing Christmas Gifts From Hotel Lobby

Erica Rothenbuhler was charged with felony theft after taking six children’s toys worth $48 from under a Christmas tree at a St. Petersburg Red Roof Inn last Thursday morning. Hotel security footage shows the 44-year-old entering the lobby and “began looking under the tree” before taking the presents and leaving. Police later found Rothenbuhler, who “made spontaneous statements saying that she thought the gifts were for the kids in the building,” according to the arrest report. Officers noted “does not have any children.” The theft charge was elevated from misdemeanor to felony due to Rothenbuhler’s previous convictions for stealing from a Winn-Dixie supermarket and Wawa convenience store. She remains in county jail on $5,000 bond and faces up to five years in prison if convicted of the third-degree felony. (Story URL)