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Gang member busted for stealing troop donations from Girl Scouts

SAN DIEGO — A San Diego County gang member accused of stealing a jar of cash from Girl Scouts outside a grocery store has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor petty theft and resisting arrest.

Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Cullen says 21-year-old David Betancort was sentenced Thursday to 240 days in jail and placed on probation for three years.

U-T San Diego says last month Betancort swiped a donation jar that the Scouts were using to collect money for US troops overseas, then fled in a car.

An adult who was with the Scouts memorized the license plate number.

Betancort was arrested a few days later in Escondido after leading officers on a short foot chase.

The judge also ordered Betancort to pay back the money that was in the jar — about $45.