The Brief
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Jonathan Arfsten is charged with theft for allegedly stealing more than $3,100 in copper pipe from his Franklin employer.
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Video footage showed the employee taking scrap metal after hours on Feb. 5.
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The criminal complaint says Arfsten admitted to the theft, saying he sold the metal for $320 due to financial struggles.
FRANKLIN, Wis. – A 49-year-old South Milwaukee man is accused of stealing scrap metal from his Franklin employer and later selling it. The accused is Jonathan Arfsten – and he faces a single count of theft (value $2,500-$5,000).
Theft investigation
What we know
According to the criminal complaint, a Franklin police officer was sent to Zone Mechanical on S. 5th Street on Feb. 6 to investigate a theft complaint. The officer spoke with a warehouse coordinator who indicated the defendant was an employee at Zone Mechanical — and that on Feb. 5, he was “observed on video taking copper piping from the business,” the complaint says.
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The investigating officer watched the surveillance video. The complaint says the defendant entered the business after hours and is “seen selecting copper pipes and assorted items from the scrap metal bin, placing them in his take home work van, and leaving with the items.” The complaint indicates the defendant stole $3,167.40 worth of copper piping.
The officer spoke with the defendant regarding what was captured on video. The complaint said Artsten indicated “he has been struggling to support his mother and his family.” The defendant “admitted to taking copper pipe and scrap metal from the business,” the complaint says. Arfsten said he sold the items for $320 and “regrets taking these items from the business and knows it was a mistake,” the complaint says.
What’s next
Arfsten made his initial appearance in Milwaukee County court on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Cash bond was set at $500.
A preliminary hearing was set for Oct. 13.
The Source
Information in this post was provided by Wisconsin Circuit Court Access as well as the criminal complaint associated with this case.