The Danville Police Department has charged 24-year-old Joshua Lee Bolling, of Danville, with illegally possessing prescription narcotics in violation of Virginia State Code 18.2-250. Bolling was arrested while working as the costumed Easter Bunny on April 6, 2012, at Danville’s Piedmont Mall. The police investigation began after complaints were received from mall businesses and management of behavior suggestive of possible criminal drug activity involving the individual working as the Easter Bunny. His suspicious behavior took place while he was on breaks and not during his contact with children. Bolling was a contract worker for an outside company providing the Easter activities and was not employed by Piedmont Mall. Mall management and security worked with the Danville Police Department Street Crimes Unit to observe Bolling's activities, which eventually led to the seizure of pills for which Bolling did not possess a valid prescription. Bolling was asked to accompany officers away from the public area where he was working, and he was escorted to a private changing area where he removed his costume and subsequently arrested.
