MARYSVILLE, Ohio — The Marysville Police Department recovered tens of thousands of dollars in cash hidden in the bathroom at The Avalon Theatre over the weekend.
An employee found the cash on Saturday morning after noticing someone acting suspicious the night before, walking in and out of the theatre bathroom while a hypnosis show was happening inside.
Police could not share exactly how much cash was found, or where it was hidden, but Chief Tony Brooks said there is no reasonable explanation for the discovery.
“We believe it was intentionally placed there, why it was placed there, and what was supposed to happen after is part of the investigation,” Brooks said. “But this wasn’t something where someone just set something down and forgot it. Where it was placed, it was strategically placed so it would not be easily discovered.”
Police are now trying to get more information from the person spotted by employees Friday evening.
“We don’t have a crime at this point, so we don’t have anyone to call a suspect right now. Right now it is a recovered property report, trying to figure out whose money it was, if there was a legitimate reason why this money was there and return that money,” Brooks said “If there is not a legitimate reason the money, if there was some sort of nefarious act or criminal reason the money was there, then investigate that possible criminal act.”
Gregg Pruett was performing at the theatre on Friday evening and learned about the money discovered on Monday.
“I had no idea. Everything was normal during the show and then to see all of this. I was very surprised, hopefully police can figure out what is going on and be good to go,” Pruett said.
Representatives at The Avalon Theatre declined to comment.
Police said the money discovered does not have anything to do with the hypnosis show or business at the theatre.
“Until we are able to put the owner or person who left the money there until we can confirm who that is, the intent or motive behind it would be hard to speculate,” Brooks said.
Brooks said it appears to be real money. The police department may work with the Secret Service to find out if the money is connected to any ongoing cases.