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Thief waited for opportunity to steal money collected for child with cancer

By Times staff writer
Published March 16, 2007

TAMPA - The thief waited about 10 minutes in the Dairy Queen on March 7 until employees were in the back room or had their backs turned.

Then he struck, swiping a jar off the counter that raised money for a girl employees know only as "Jessica Rose," a 4-year-old who is friends with the boss' son.

Jessica Rose has been diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, which is cancer within children that develops from nerve tissue. The crook ran out of the store at 602 W Brandon Blvd., leaving surveillance video as the only clue. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office pulled the man's photo from the tape and released a picture to media outlets.

An anonymous tip came in this week. Authorities found their suspect already in the Orient Road Jail. Kristopher Michael Russ, 24, of Tampa, was arrested March 9 on charges of third-degree grand theft and driving with a license canceled, suspended or revoked.

Sheriff's officials found the jar, but all $54 people had donated was missing.

Deputies in District 2 took up a collection to refill the jar before they brought it back to the Dairy Queen on Thursday.

"I'm sure we'll put it back up soon," said Colin Hargris, 20, a Dairy Queen worker.

Russ remained in jail Thursday without bail. Authorities tacked on the charge of petty theft under $100.

[Last modified March 16, 2007, 01:03:28]