YouTube helps store owner locate missing gorilla head

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Two Minneapolis men have struck plea deals after they were accused of stealing the head of a popular mechanical gorilla outside a store in Appleton.

John Jenness, 28, had his criminal charge of theft reduced to a municipal violation. He has agreed to pay almost $2,000 in restitution and court costs.

Prosecutors said Jesse Varga, 24, agreed to the same plea bargain. He’s expected to have his case settled on June 1.

The gorilla head was stolen last Thanksgiving weekend outside the Balloon Magic-Gorilla Grams store in Appleton.

The store’s owner went on YouTube to try and find the suspects.

A tip led police to Minneapolis where officers found the gorilla head in the men’s kitchen table as a decoration.

The pair caused about $3,000 worth of damage.

Tags: gorilla head, news, wisconsin, appleton