Thief takes Christmas gifts at DSS

By DEUCE NIVEN

    A Grinch has found his, or her way into Columbus County’s Department of Social Services, a recent Sheriff’s Office report indicates.
    Christmas gifts worth $973, intended for foster children, were taken from under the desk of a social worker at the DSS offices in Whiteville, Sheriff’s Capt. David Nobles said.
    Deputy Jonathan Dove, who works full time at the DSS offices, was informed of the theft last Wednesday, and told the bag containing computer tablets, computer gaming equipment, a gaming case and a $100 iTunes card was last seen on more than a week earlier, on Dec. 3.
    Though the office was not locked, visitors to DSS are supposed to be escorted when inside the building, Nobles said.
    Funds to replace the gifts have been found, DSS Director Algernon McKenzie said Monday. This Grinch won’t spoil Christmas here.