$1 Felony: Will Charges Be Dropped In Mark Abaire Soda Theft Case? Florida McDonald's Owner Responds

McDonald's responded to an IBTimes inquiry by releasing a statement from the owner-operator of the East Naples, Fla., McDonald's location, which said the establishment was fully cooperating with authorities on this matter. The statement did not mention whether the charges would be dropped in the $1 felony case.

Abaire, 52, was arrested on theft charges last week after he asked the McDonald's in East Naples, Fla., for a cup and filled it up with soda instead of water. The soda cost $1, which Abaire allegedly did not pay.

Because Abaire didn't pay for the soda, he now faces up to five years in prison, if convicted of theft, trespass and disorderly intoxication.

Mike Adams, owner of the McDonald's where the incident took place, issued the following statement to IBTimes:

I take these matters seriously. As a local business owner, I have a responsibility to take appropriate steps to protect my business and keep my customers and employees safe, Adams said. We are fully cooperating with the authorities on this matter. I have an obligation to the public to adhere closely to local and state laws and rely on the counsel of local law enforcement regarding these types of issues. Beyond that, it would be inappropriate to further comment.

Further inquiries should be directed to the [Collier County] Sherriff's office.

When a police officer questioned Abaire, he appeared drunk, according to the police report of the incident written up by the Collier County Sheriff's Office in Naples, Fla..

While speaking to Mark, he had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his facial area when he spoke, the officer wrote in the report. Mark spoke with a thick slur and was at times uncomprehensible [sic.] Mark had bloodshot, watery eyes. Mark swayed front to back and had difficult times keeping his balance.

Abaire left the establishment when the manager on duty lectured him about not paying for the beverage, but Abaire said he believed McDonald's was in the wrong, according to the report.

When Abaire was asked to leave the establishment, he told the manager to f--- off, c--- and caused a scene outside as customer were entering the McDonald's, the report said.

The manager told police she wanted to press charges for Abaire's alleged behavior and noted that Abaire was issued a trespass warning at the same McDonald's in 2008.

Mark Abaire has prior convictions for petty theft and theft in 2007, 2005 and 2003, according to the police report.