Crime & Safety
Landlord Charged With Theft
Joseph F. Schinka told the victim she owed him money and wouldn't return her necklace, police say.
The landlord of a Greenfield rental property is facing charges after police say he kept a former tenant’s necklace after she left it behind when she moved out.
Joseph F. Schinka, 42, of New Berlin, was charged in Milwaukee County Circuit Court on Saturday with one count of theft. If convicted, he faces up to nine months in prison and $10,000 in fines.
According to the criminal complaint, the victim had rented a house from Schinka at 2805 W. Vogel Ave., but moved out March 28. The woman realized she forgot a necklace at the apartment and came back the next day, but discovered the locks had been changed.
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The woman contacted Schinka who, according to the complaint, claimed she owed him money and wouldn’t give back the necklace. Her father then talked with Schinka, who admitted to having the necklace and showed it to him, the complaint says.
Schinka will make his initial appearance in court Nov. 13.
