VERO BEACH — A 36-year-old recently fired laundromat worker was arrested after she broke into the business and stole a cash box containing nearly $400, authorities said. The incident was captured on the store’s surveillance video.
Police arrested Stefanie Michelle Belanger, of the 1500 block of 29th Avenue, on charges of burglary and grand theft. She is being held at the Indian River County Jail without bond.
Police responded to a burglary about 7 a.m. Thursday at Sunshine Laundry, 2020 6th Avenue. The front door was pried open and an office door was smashed, police said.
Officers reviewed security footage and recognized the burglary suspect as Belanger, a woman who was recently terminated from the company, authorities said.
Police at 9:55 a.m. went to Belanger’s home, detained her and found evidence from the crime. Officers recovered the cash box, but the money that was inside is still missing.
“We don’t know where the money is,” police spokeswoman Officer Megan DeWitt said.
Police took Belanger to the county jail. A bond will be set by a judge following Belanger’s first appearance, which is set for Friday.
No further information was immediately available.