Criminal Justice

Strangers donate $14K to woman facing petty theft case over $3 in courthouse fountain coins

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There seems to be a happy ending looming in the story of a struggling woman ticketed for allegedly taking less than $3 in change from a fountain near a Logan County, Ohio, courthouse.

Since the incident was publicized and community members rallied to help Deirdre Romine, some $14,000 in donations have been made to a crowdfunding site in her name, the Bellefontaine Examiner reports. She still faces a petty theft case, but it appears likely to be resolved soon.

A Bellefontaine Examiner columnist pointed out that $14,000, if donated to a homeless shelter or food pantry, might do a lot more good for the community. The Bellefontaine police department says officers often reach out to help individuals who need assistance, but contends that Romine was resistant when questioned about the coins. Nonetheless, the department wishes her well.

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