By Nick Lough - bio | email
FLORENCE, AL (WAFF) - Two women are accused of stealing money from a non-profit group worker in Florence. Employee's at the group thought the women only wanted assistance with food for the holidays.
The Salvation Army serves hundreds of people in the Florence area every day, and during the last 12 months that number has continued to grow.
"We've experienced a 33-percent increase through our social services just in the past year," said Salvation Army Captain Michael Rojas.
From food to clothing and even mortgage assistance, Salvation Army employees do their best to serve others that have fallen on tough times.
"There are a lot of folks in the community in need and those are the folks that come to see us," said Rojas.
When 37-year-old Tomi Michele South and her friend entered the center in early December, they wanted more than just the food they'd requested and now both are in need of a lawyer.
"The lady that worked there said she left her wallet sitting on top of her purse," said Florence Police Investigator Brian Perry.
Authorities believe when The Salvation Army employee left the room to make copies both South and her friend had just filled out for assistance the women stole the wallet.
"Somebody saw an opportunity to take it and it was gone," said Perry.
The wallet was later recovered in an area near South's residence. Both women have been charged with second-degree theft of property.
The Salvation Army said it's rare to have that type of crime occur at their offices.
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