Introduction
In Grand Chute, Wisconsin, a robbery at a coin store has led to the arrest of three men. They stole rare coins worth thousands of dollars but only got a small amount of money for them. The police were able to catch the suspects thanks to tips from the community. This article explains what happened during the robbery and the aftermath.
The Robbery
On August 10, police received a call about a robbery at Affordable Rare Coins on W. Northland Ave. A worker at the store was hurt during the robbery and had to go to the hospital. He suffered injuries to his head and needed 14 staples to close the wounds.
How the Crime Unfolded
Surveillance footage showed one of the suspects, Beau Wastel, entering the store wearing a disguise, including a blonde wig and a black dress. He was in the store for about 35 minutes. When the worker tried to escape, Wastel hit him on the head with a pipe wrench and then smashed a display case. The criminals stole around $30,000 worth of coins.
The Arrests
After the robbery, police released photos from the surveillance video, which helped them get tips about Wastel. They discovered that he was working with Cory Schmitz and Michael Thorpe. The three men were later found at a motel in Grand Chute.
During questioning, Wastel said that Schmitz had introduced him to Thorpe, who suggested robbing the coin store. After the robbery, Thorpe sold the stolen coins for only $300. When police searched a nearby area, they found clothes and wigs used during the robbery.
Legal Consequences
Wastel faces serious charges, including armed robbery, substantial battery, and criminal damage to property. He is also a repeat offender, meaning he has previous legal problems. Wastel’s bail is set at $100,000, while Schmitz and Thorpe face bail amounts of $75,000 and $50,000, respectively.
Conclusion
The robbery at Affordable Rare Coins highlights how quickly a crime can lead to serious injuries and legal consequences. Thanks to community tips and police work, the suspects were caught, but the incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in criminal activities. It’s shocking that coins worth thousands were pawned for so little, showing how crime doesn’t pay.
Table: Summary of Charges
| Name | Age | Charges | Bail Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beau Wastel | 32 | Armed robbery, substantial battery, criminal damage | $100,000 |
| Cory Schmitz | 34 | Armed robbery, substantial battery, criminal damage | $75,000 |
| Michael Thorpe | 39 | Armed robbery, substantial battery, criminal damage | $50,000 |
EDUCAL HOME
What happened during the Grand Chute robbery?
Three men robbed a coin store, injuring a worker and stealing coins worth around $30,000.
How were the suspects caught?
The police received tips from the community after releasing surveillance photos of the suspects.
What did the suspects disguise themselves with?
Beau Wastel wore a blonde wig, a black dress, and pink shoes during the robbery.
How much were the stolen coins worth?
The coins were valued at approximately $30,000.
What were the bail amounts for the suspects?
Beau Wastel’s bail is set at $100,000, Cory Schmitz at $75,000, and Michael Thorpe at $50,000.