(Ashippun) An Oconomowoc man accused of burglarizing a business in Ashippun made his initial appearance in court Monday. James Schmeling is facing several felonies including Burglary and Theft of Movable Property as well as Criminal Damage to Property.
Video surveillance reportedly captured Schmeling along with three other accomplices enter the business, which scraps junk vehicles, and took an estimated $94-thousand-dollars worth of property. The deputy assigned to the case allegedly identified Schmeling from previous contacts with him.
According to the complaint, Schmeling admitted he was there taking items but that they all belonged to him. Several days after the incident that occurred on July 1st, Schmeling reportedly returned to the business and took scrap metal totaling roughly $3,200.
If convicted, the 20-year-old faces up to 23-and-a-half-years in prison. A signature bond was set at $1,000 and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 25th.
