Police: Babysitter stole tot’s present from under tree

WATSONTOWN, Pa. – Police say a Pennsylvania babysitter stole a 2-year-old’s Christmas present from under the tree and returned it to the store so he could pocket a $30 refund.

Sunbury police arrested Sean Ashelman on Monday on theft, forgery and stolen property charges in connection with the heist of the Mickey Mouse table and chair set.

The 24-year-old remains jailed in lieu of $25,000 bail and couldn’t be reached for comment.

Police tell the Daily Item Ashelman took the unwrapped gift from a Watsontown home Dec. 19 while he and his girlfriend were baby-sitting.

They say Ashelman found a receipt in the mother’s bedroom, took the gift to the Family Dollar store next door and forged a signature to complete the return.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 31.

This story was originally published December 24, 2014 at 11:51 AM with the headline "Police: Babysitter stole tot’s present from under tree."