Falls Man Charged After Stealing Newspapers From Businesses

A 55-year-old Menomonee Falls man is facing charges after he got caught stealing newspapers from outside of village businesses.

John E. Schultz was charged in Waukesha County Circuit Court Friday with one count of theft. If convicted, he could face up to nine months in prison and $10,000 in fines.

According to the criminal complaint:

At 6:21 a.m. Oct. 30, police were called to the W16400 block of Appleton Avenue after a man spotted Schultz take a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newspaper from outside of Pops Custard and walk away despite the man yelling at him to stop. Police caught Schultz, who was carrying two grocery bags, which contained the newspaper, aluminum cans and some coupon books.

Schultz told the officers he stole the newspaper because he’s on a fixed income. Police then contacted a newspaper delivery driver who said he also saw Schultz take the newspaper he just delivered outside of Pops and a newspaper outside of Avada, and he recognized Schultz because he knew he stole newspapers after they were delivered.

Schultz will make his initial appearance in court Dec. 19.