The homeless person who allegedly stole two stenography machines from City Council's fourth-floor chambers in City Hall has been arrested. The machines, which had been left at a social worker's office, have been recovered. The homeless person was found across the street from City Hall in JFK Plaza, aka Love Park, using one of the machines cases to hold clothing.
The alleged culprit, a man who dresses as a woman, was identified from City Hall security video and easy to identify because of his height, according to Anne Kelly King, Council's chief accounting officer. He has been charged with theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.
Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell said the accused was a frequent visitor to her office, which is known for its constituent services to the homeless and drug addicted. Blackwell was relieved to have the issue resolved because the machines each cost $2,000. "We're just so grateful," she said. "I felt so bad."