Tennessee Mayor Steals Toys For Tots' Christmas Funds, Jing Tinglers, Floo Floopers, & Even Roast Beast

Greenbrier, Tennessee, Mayor Billy Wilson was arrested Monday and charged with theft for stealing funds from the city's Toys for Tots charity. At press time, the whereabouts of the town's supply of Tar Tinkers, Who Hoovers, Gar Ginkers and Slu Slumkers could not be ascertained, although it is thought that Wilson may have already sold a valuable Who Carnio Flunx on ebay for several thousand dollars.

As the city's fire chief, Wilson was also in charge of fundraising for the charity. He was arrested by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at city hall after being indicted by a grand jury on charges of theft over $60,000.

 WSMV-TV reports that the TBI is also investigating whether Wilson also misused city funds in addition to dipping into the charity donations. Wilson reportedly knew that he was under surveillance, but "investigators say he stole money right up until just a few days ago to pay for his personal expenses." So in addition to being dishonest, he's a smart one as well.

Wilson also issued a press saying that he regretted the harm that his actions had done to the Toys for Tots program, and saying that the charity's operations would be taken over by another community group. The Greenbrier Toys for Tots charity is not affiliated with the national program run by the U.S. Marine Corps; the local group was founded by Wilson, who apparently figured that stealing the name was just a good start.

Kids, this is where trademark infringement leads. Stop misusing brand names, OK? It starts with an innocent reference to "Kleenex" instead of "facial tissue," and ends up with an indictment. Don't let this happen to you.

[ WSMV-TV & The Tennesean via Rawstory ]