OLYMPIA, Wash. — Newly filed court documents show how two children, not even 7 years old, allegedly stole purses at the Chuck E Cheese's in Olympia.
They reportedly told police a man put them up to it.
During the months of March and April, Olympia Police investigated seven thefts of purses and other items at the restaurant in Capital Mall.
Police say they discovered a man who allegedly put his girlfriend’s kids up to a devious scheme.
Charles Elias is accused of turned two children into thieves inside the children’s restaurant.
KIRO 7 obtained new court documents that show the children, 5 and 6, allegedly confessed to stealing purses “under Elias' direction.”
In early April, one alleged victim told police she left her wallet on the table at Chuck E Cheese's while she put her kid's shoes on, she turned around and found her wallet was gone.
She told police her credit card was later used, once for gas.
Employees remained vigilant and called police on Wednesday night, saying the man and kids they saw on surveillance video committing the crimes were back.
Officer's stopped Elias's vehicle. The 34-year-old’s girlfriend and her three kids were inside.
The boy and girl reportedly confessed after police showed them a flier with their image on it.
KIRO 7 went to two possible addresses where Elias is believed to have lived at, but no one had heard of him or the family.
Police said Elias admitted to committing up to 20 thefts and said he used the debit cards to pay for gas and for his family, who are homeless, to stay in area motels instead of their car.
Elias is in jail. He faces theft in second-degree charges.