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Police: Woman Steals Wallets From Long Island Museum's Coat Check Room

EAST GARDEN CITY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Long Island wife and mother stood charged Wednesday night with stealing from a coat check room at the popular Long Island Children's Museum.

As CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reported, families entered the museum in Garden City incredulous at the accusations that a fellow patron would stoop so low as to pickpocket in the coat room.

"People left some valuables behind, which is, you know, unfortunate, and we are trying to address it," said Maureen Mangan of the children's museum. "But what we want people to know is that it is, in fact, a very isolated incident, and it doesn't happen, and it is because people have so much respect and love for the museum."

It was this past Monday, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, that the thefts happened, officials said. Hundreds of parents brought their children to enjoy the history, art, and hands-on experience that the unique museum offers to the community.

Police said Mary Elliott, 50, of Hauppauge, was there with her daughter too. Authorities said she may have taken advantage of the walker she uses – lingering longer with coats and bags when she thought no one was looking – as she allegedly snatched pocketbooks, wallets, cash, and credit cards.

Elliott was arrested at her home on Tuesday and faces fourth-degree grand larceny causes.

"She is a mother. I do think she is a caring person," said Elliott's defense attorney, Mark Gann. "She has medical issues, she suffers from MS, she's had a difficult life, and we are hoping to resolve this all favorably for her."

But museumgoers seemed less forgiving.

"In a children's museum on a holiday, that she would do that – it's a complete disrespect and violation to everybody," said museum patron Christina Comentele.

Elliott pleaded not guilty and called it all a misunderstanding.

Police showed CBS2 her rap sheet – 13 arrests in the past 15 years – most for larceny.

"If anybody was at the Long Island Children's Museum on Monday, which was a holiday, in the afternoon, and notices that they are missing either cash or credit cards, please contact the Third Squad," said Nassau County police Detective Vincent Garcia.

The Third Squad can be reached at (516) 573-6354.

Due to her health issues, Elliott was released to Nassau County probation while her latest arrest for grand larceny is resolved in the courts. She is expected to be arraigned Wednesday in First District Court in Hempstead.

Police said the suspect entered the museum with her child as paying customers.

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