UPDATE: Second Madison Man Arrested in Mahwah Charity Theft

A second Madison man involved in the Tuesday night theft of a “Mahwah Marine Moms” Charity Donation basket from the  was arrested Thursday night and remanded to the Bergen County Jail, Mahwah Police Chief James Batelli said Friday.

Batelli said that two men allegedly stole the donation basket after eating dinner at MB&G. The basket held $300 to $400 in donations to the charity, which supports U.S. Marines.

The theft involved one man actually taking the basket, and another acting as a lookout, Batelli said.

Austin Sykes, 22, of Madison, who is accused of taking the donation bucket, was arrested Thursday night, Batelli said.

Daniel Rowan, 23, of Madison, who allegedly acted as the lookout, was arrested earlier and charged with theft, a fourth-degree crime, Batelli said. His court appearance is scheduled for May 17.

Mahwah Det. Lt. Martin Clancy and Det. Guido Bussinelli investigated the incident after the owners of the Mahwah Bar and Grill noticed the basket was missing and called police.

A surveillance video led police to the two men, who were having dinner with two female Ramapo College students and two others right before the incident, police said.

Both accused “individuals had prior criminal histories,” according to the statement released by the Mahwah Police Department.

“The Marine Moms have dedicated themselves to their sons and daughters who serve in the United States Marines,” Batelli said. "These Marines have chosen to dedicate themselves and heir lives to the defense of our country and our freedom. Their commitment, courage and dedication are unequaled."

“The fact that two individuals would steal money that has been earmarked for our Marines is simply reprehensible," Batelli said.