Siblings charged in Salvation Army kettle theft in Blaine, Minnesota

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Photo Courtesy: Anoka County Sheriff's Office

Two siblings have been charged in the theft of a Salvation Army donation kettle outside of a grocery store in Blaine, Minnesota earlier this month.

Travis Harley Johnson, 30, and Amanda Lynn Johnson, 24, have both been charged with felony possession of theft tools and misdemeanor theft. The felony carries a maximum sentence of three years behind bars and a $5,000 fine.

Surveillance video captured the two stealing the red kettle from outside the Northtown Cub Foods on Dec. 4. The footage shows Amanda used bolt cutters to cut the kettle free, while Travis kept watch. The two then drove off.

According to the charges, a witness saw them drive away and followed them east on County Road 10. The witness later saw someone throw the kettle from the vehicle.

On Dec. 13 in New Richmond, Wisconsin, officers tracked down the Johnsons, who later admitted to stealing the kettle. They told police the kettle only contained $2 and some coins.

The two suspects are not in custody.