Case of suspect in theft of Charlotte Knights mascot heads to Superior Court

The excellent legal adventures of Joe Gillespie, accused of stealing the Homer the Dragon mascot costume in September, then partying in it for the rest of the night, continued Tuesday as his case was moved to Superior Court.

Gillespie, 23, of Indian Trail, faces theft and breaking-and-entering charges stemming from his September decision to take the city’s best-known mascot costume – Gillespie said he was only borrowing it – then wearing it while bar hopping around uptown. In interviews after his arrest, Gillespie said he passed out after imbibing during a beer fest sponsored by the Charlotte Knights, then awoke to find himself in a darkened and empty BB&T BallPark. He said he found Homer’s costume behind an unlocked door. What followed made headlines across the country.

So far the Mecklenburg court system is not laughing along. Both charges against Gillespie are felonies. According to court records, he also has a January trial in Union County on a misdemeanor possession of marijuana charge.

Gillespie waived a probable-cause hearing Tuesday in District Court. His first appearance in Superior Court will be scheduled in the near future, a district attorney spokeswoman said.

Gillespie could not be reached for comment.

This story was originally published November 17, 2015 at 3:52 PM with the headline "Case of suspect in theft of Charlotte Knights mascot heads to Superior Court."