Columbia 'Hamburglar' Admits To Breaking Into Drive-Through

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — The so-called Hamburglar will be spending a few months behind bars for her pursuit of a Happy Meal and some quick cash inside a Maryland McDonald's. The woman captured on surveillance footage climbing into a drive-through window and helping herself to various items pleaded guilty to a second-degree burglary charge this week. For her admission of breaking into the Columbia fast food restaurant, a judge gave her jail time but suspended most of the five-year sentence.

Jessica Marie Cross, 27, of Upper Marlboro, was dubbed the "Hamburglar" after police released video of an anonymous woman reaching through the unlocked drive-through window at the McDonald's in the 8300 block of Benson Drive in Columbia, then climbing inside around 1 a.m. on Nov. 5, 2017.

Multiple tips led to the identification of Cross as the suspect, according to police, who said she owned a car matching the one seen in the video.

At first, the woman on surveillance reached into the window from her white Hyundai Sonata and poured herself a fountain drink.

Then she went in, hoisting herself in through the drive-through window.

During a 35-minute mission inside the fast food restaurant, Cross took various items, including Happy Meal toys, food, a purse and cash, according to police.

Later, an employee arrived and found the office door open, the cash registered tampered with and $1,400 missing, police said.

In Howard County Circuit Court on Monday, a judge sentenced Cross to five years in jail with all but 90 days suspended.

She was also ordered to complete mental health and drug/alcohol treatment; abstain from alcohol, illegal substances and abusive use of prescription drugs; and have no contact with the McDonald's on Benson Drive. She will be on supervised probation for three years.

A restitution hearing is slated for May 31 in Howard County Circuit Court.

• Columbia 'Hamburglar' Arrested, Police Say
• McDonald's Burglar Climbed Into Columbia Drive-Through: VIDEO

Still from video and booking photo via Howard County Police Department.