Chuck E. Cheese Worker Faces Felony Charges After Arrest in Full Mascot Costume
In a highly unusual turn of events, Jermell Jones, a 41-year-old employee of Chuck E. Cheese in Tallahassee, Florida, was arrested on July 23, 2025, while performing in full costume as the iconic mouse mascot. Jones faces serious felony charges, including theft of a credit card, criminal use of personal identification information, and fraudulent use of a credit card on more than two occasions within a six-month period. This unexpected arrest, carried out while he was in character, has raised eyebrows and sparked a broader conversation about the appropriateness of such actions in family-friendly environments.
A Birthday Party Ruined
The arrest stemmed from a report filed by a woman who noticed unauthorized charges of $105.57 on her child support debit card, which she had used at the Chuck E. Cheese location on June 28. After reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses, the woman identified Jones as the individual responsible for the charges. Further investigation revealed that Jones had used the stolen card at several locations, including a smoke shop, Whataburger, and Circle K.
On the day of the arrest, Jones was performing in the Chuck E. Cheese mascot costume when police arrived. According to the arrest report, Officer Jarrett Cruz confronted Jones with the words, “Chuck E., come with me,” as he attempted to detain him. Jones initially resisted arrest but was eventually subdued, handcuffed, and escorted from the premises. During the search, authorities found the stolen debit card in Jones’ possession, along with a receipt that matched one of the fraudulent transactions.
— Jammles (@jammles9) July 24, 2025
CEC Makes a Statement
Chuck E. Cheese’s parent company, CEC Entertainment, responded to the incident, confirming that internal actions were taken regarding the employee involved. The company stated: “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.” Further inquiries were referred to the local police department.
What made this arrest particularly jarring was the public nature of the event. The arrest took place in front of children attending a birthday party at the restaurant, raising questions about the appropriateness of conducting such a serious action in a family-oriented setting. Tallahassee Police Department spokesperson Alicia Hill stated that the officers initially planned to make the arrest away from public view, but proceeded inside after Jones resisted. She emphasized that the decision was made to ensure the safety of both the public and the officers.
Broader Problems
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about security and safety at family entertainment venues. While public arrests of theme park employees aren’t unheard of, the circumstances surrounding Jones’ arrest make this situation highly unusual. At places like Disney and Universal Studios, arrests typically occur behind the scenes, away from the public eye, to prevent disruption, particularly when children are involved.
The event has raised valid concerns about the balance between maintaining security and preserving the integrity of family-friendly environments. The presence of law enforcement and the spectacle of a public arrest can have lasting impacts, especially when it disrupts the magical experience that visitors expect from such establishments.
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 arrest highlights the importance of vigilance in theme parks and entertainment venues, even when the spaces are designed to be safe and enjoyable for families.
