Ohio man charged with stealing just-delivered packages

CINCINNATI (AP) — Authorities in southwest Ohio say they have nabbed a holiday “porch pirate.”

Daniel Stolz, 31, of Cincinnati, was charged with theft this week in connection with the removal of two packages from the front porch of a house. Police say the homeowner caught the Nov. 29 theft on home surveillance and the video was circulated on social media, leading to a tip about the man’s identity.

The packages included children’s toys and credit cards. A Hamilton County municipal judge says stealing Christmas gifts is “a serious allegation” and Tuesday ordered Stolz jailed on $25,000 bond.

Police in several Cincinnati-area communities have volunteered to have holiday packages delivered to their departments for safekeeping until they can be picked up by residents.