A homeless man is accused of stealing a charity box from a Rockland County restaurant, according to police.

Officials say Benjamin Pugh, 23, swiped the charity container from the counter at the Kosher Castle on Route 59 at around 11 p.m. Monday. Police were able to track him down and arrested him on a charge of petty larceny. "He's obviously in a difficult time of his life now, but it's still no excuse for him to steal money from other people in need and that's basically what he did. He stole money from people in need," says Ramapo Police Lt. Mark Emma.

Pugh is being held on $100 bail because he doesn't have an address. He is expected back in court next week.

The judge has ordered an issue of protection for the restaurant. The charity box contained $15 and is one of several ways the Kosher Castle helps the poor.