Crime & Safety
Greendale Man Charged With Rash of Gasoline Thefts at Area Gas Stations
Suspect went to a Muskego gas station on numerous occasions with different license plates and would fill up with at least $50 in gas each time before leaving without paying.
A 40-year-old Greendale man is facing multiple charges after he was caught stealing gas from gas stations across southeastern Wisconsin.
Michael J. Phelps, was charged in Waukesha County Circuit Court Wednesday with 10 counts of misdemeanor theft. If convicted, he could face up to 7 ½ years in prison and $90,000 in fines.
According to the criminal complaint:
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Between April and November Phelps went to Kwik Trip, S79W18884 Janesville Road, Muskego on multiple occasions, filled up his Chevrolet Trailblazer with at least $50 in gas and would leave without paying. Each time he showed up at the gas station, Phelps had a different license place on the SUV each time he filled up and police discovered each plate had been stolen from cars in the area.
On Dec. 12, Phelps showed up at the gas station again and employees were able to call police before he left the scene.
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Phelps admitted to stealing the gas and stealing gas at stations in Greenfield, New Berlin and Milwaukee. He also admitted to taking the license plates from cars he found parked in the area.
He will make his initial appearance in court April 9.