Porch Pirate Steals $1,200 Doctoral Regalia… Then Brings It Back
A porch pirate with a PhD in guilt? That might be the case in Southwest D.C., where a package thief actually returned a stolen doctoral cap and gown, a rare plot twist even police say they’ve never seen before.
Dr. Leah Carrington-Boney had just received a $1,200 George Mason University regalia set, purchased in honor of her family’s academic legacy. But minutes after it was delivered, her Ring camera caught someone swiping it from her front porch.
The stolen regalia held deep sentimental value — her current gown once belonged to her late father, and her sister also holds a doctorate.
“I just wanted my own,” Carrington-Boney said. “It was about continuing something special in our family.”
Days later, after news reports aired footage of the thief, the gown mysteriously reappeared on her sidewalk, untouched.
Carrington-Boney really believes the media coverage shamed them into doing the right thing.
Police say this could be the first time a porch pirate has ever returned stolen property voluntarily.
No suspects have been identified yet, and it’s unclear if charges will be filed — but D.C. residents are now wondering if porch pirates have finally developed a conscience… or just really hate being on the news.
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