Chuck E. Cheese performer claims innocence, case still pending

The Tallahassee man whose arrest in a Chuck E. Cheese costume went viral online maintains his innocence as he waits for his criminal case to move forward. He has entered a not‑guilty plea and is now watching the court process unfold.

Police arrested 41‑year‑old Jermell J. Jones in July at the Tallahassee Chuck E. Cheese, pulling him from the family restaurant while he was still dressed as the chain’s mouse mascot. Cellphone videos recorded by customers inside the Sharer Road location captured the moment, including a child crying out, “Oh, Chuck E.!”

According to court records, Jones faces charges of credit card theft, fraudulent use of a credit card, and criminal use of personal identification information. He is represented by the Public Defender’s Office and has formally denied the allegations in court.

The case has been moving through a series of case management conferences, routine hearings where a judge and attorneys check on the status of a case and discuss next steps. The next conference is set for Jan. 13 and is labeled “final” on the docket, though filings do not indicate whether a plea agreement is currently being negotiated.

Body‑camera footage and bystander videos of Jones’ arrest sparked significant public debate in Tallahassee about how and where officers choose to take people into custody. In the police‑released bodycam video, two officers approach Jones while he is in costume, handcuff him, and escort him out to a patrol car for questioning as nearby children react in confusion and alarm.

A department spokesperson has said there is no specific rule about making arrests in public settings like a children’s restaurant, explaining that officers rely on their judgment about safety and the risk of evidence being destroyed. She noted that once officers contacted Jones, he appeared to tense up and resist, prompting them to secure him in handcuffs out of concern for the safety of customers, the suspect, and the officers. She also remarked that it was “unfortunate” the suspect happened to be in costume at the time.

One officer wryly acknowledged the awkwardness of the situation, telling another on camera that parents were not pleased about “detaining Chuck E. Cheese” in front of their kids. As the footage spread and late‑night shows picked up the story, Chuck E. Cheese’s president and CEO, David McKillips, traveled to Tallahassee to meet with local police, including Chief Lawrence Revell, at the restaurant in an effort to project unity and goodwill between the company and law enforcement.