Credit: Chuck E Cheese
In an unexpected turn of events, a Chuck E. Cheese employee in Tallahassee, Florida, was arrested on July 23, 2025, while dressed in full costume as the iconic mouse mascot. Jermell Jones, 41, faces multiple felony charges, including theft of a credit card, criminal use of personal identification information, and fraudulent use of a credit card more than twice within six months.
Arrested in Character
The incident unfolded when a woman reported unauthorized charges totaling $105.57 on her child support debit card, which she had used during a visit to the Chuck E. Cheese location on June 28. Upon reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses, she identified Jones as the individual using her card. Subsequent investigation confirmed that the card was used at various establishments, including a smoke shop, Whataburger, and Circle K.
On the day of the arrest, police officers approached Jones at the restaurant while he was performing in the mascot costume. According to the arrest report, Officer Jarrett Cruz addressed him with the words, “Chuck E., come with me,” as he attempted to detain Jones. Jones initially resisted but was eventually handcuffed and escorted out of the establishment. During the search, officers discovered the stolen debit card in his possession, along with a receipt matching one of the fraudulent transactions.
Chuck E. Cheese’s parent company, CEC Entertainment, issued a statement acknowledging the incident and confirming that appropriate internal actions had been taken regarding the employee involved. The company referred further inquiries to the local Tallahassee police department. The statement read:
“We are aware of an incident involving a part-time employee arrested at our Tallahassee location on Wednesday, July 23. We have taken the appropriate action concerning the subject employee.
The arrest, which occurred in front of children attending a birthday party, has sparked discussions about the appropriateness of public arrests in family-oriented environments. Tallahassee Police Department spokesperson Alicia Hill stated that officers initially intended to make the arrest outside the public view, but proceeded with it inside the restaurant after Jones resisted. She emphasized that the decision was made with the safety of both the public and the officers in mind.
What Happens Next?
Jones was booked into the Leon County Detention Facility and later released on a $1,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court to face the charges.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and security, even in environments designed for children’s entertainment. It also raises questions about the balance between ensuring public safety and maintaining the integrity of family-friendly spaces.
— Jammles (@jammles9) July 24, 2025
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While arrests of employees at theme parks are not entirely unheard of, the circumstances surrounding Jermel Jones’ arrest at Chuck E. Cheese are particularly unusual. In the past, there have been instances of cast members at Disney and Universal Studios being arrested for various offenses, but these arrests typically occurred outside of the public eye, often in private areas away from guests.
Arrests in costume, especially in front of children and families enjoying the park, are a rare and unsettling occurrence. This incident raises concerns about the safety and security protocols in place at family-oriented entertainment venues, where the presence of law enforcement and public arrests could potentially disrupt the experience for young visitors.