Sussex Man Charged in Waukesha Scrap Metal Thefts

A 22-year-old Sussex man is facing charges after he was caught stealing scrap metal from two Waukesha businesses in August with his 17-year-old brother.

Christopher Vogel was charged in  on Monday with two counts of felony bail jumping and two counts of theft. If convicted, he faces up to 13 ½ years in prison and $40,000 in fines.

According to the criminal complaint:

On Aug. 27, Vogel and his brother were pulled over by a Waukesha police officer after the officer saw them driving a conversion van registered to another man suspected in scrap metal thefts. Although both men were covered in dirt and sweating profusely, Vogel told the officer they were out for a drink.

After questioning the men, Vogel admitted they had stolen metal from Pressed Metal Corp, 1330 Pearl St., and Alloy Products, 1203 E. Main St.

Vogel is currently being held in Waukesha County Jail on $5,000 cash bail.