Janitor Arrested In Ring Theft

PHILADELPHIA - Something about the janitor's story didn't ring true when he led police to a diamond-laden World Series keepsake that had gone missing.

The $15,000 ring commemorating the Philadelphia Phillies' 2008 world championship disappeared after a team marketing executive removed it in a Citizens Bank Park restroom on Monday, when the team was off. He returned to retrieve it 30 minutes later, but it was gone.

Police Capt. Laurence Nodiff said Wednesday surveillance tapes led them to 54-year-old Anthony Mobley, who took officers to the ring. It was found wrapped in a paper towel and stashed in the janitor's supply closet, Nodiff said.

The ring, which has 103 diamonds, was initially considered missing, not stolen. Mobley, who works for a subcontractor, has been charged with theft and receiving stolen property.

Nodiff said Mobley may have hidden the ring in the closet because he had second thoughts about taking it.

 The Phillies issued a statement on the case Wednesday afternoon. Vice President of Communications Bonnie Clark, wrote: "It has been two agonizing days for the ring owner, so we are thrilled that the situation has a happy ending. The Philadelphia Police Department, particularly the South Detective Special Investigation Unit, did an outstanding job helping to swiftly solve the case."