Kimberly Riveros turned herself into Goldsboro police Friday. Investigators say Riveros posed as a Toys for Tots worker and took toys from a Wal-Mart donation box.
"I didn't steal them. I received a phone call. I'm president of a nonprofit organization, the Have A Heart Foundation, and I received a phone call that told me to go pick up the toys and that we were supposed to meet back in Newton Grove," she said.
Police said Riveros' Sampson County-based charity group is legitimate. Toys for Tots coordinator Connie Lashmet said no one with her organization called Riveros.
"My belief is that she knew what she was doing. No one gave her authorization to take those toys. She hasn't tried to contact me to explain her side of the story, so I believe they're doing the right thing by charging her," Lashmet said.
Investigators said someone saw the surveillance photos in a WRAL news report, recognized Riveros and her car, and called police. They said Riveros has been arrested before on felony forgery charges. This time, she is charged with misdemeanor larceny.
"It's a huge relief just having it resolved, knowing what happened and, of course, having the toys back," Lashmet said.
Kimberly Riveros is out on $1,000 bond. She is scheduled to be back in court in January.
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