Two accused of stealing air conditioning parts off rooftops

Gary Vanpelt



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Two Milwaukee men are accused of stealing air conditioner parts off the rooftops of businesses in metro Milwaukee. On Tuesday, March 5th, they were criminally charged.

The accused are 48-year-old Kirk Johnson and 39-year-old Gary Vanpelt. Johnson faces two counts of theft. Vanpelt faces four counts of theft.

Johnson and Vanpelt are accused of stealing air conditioner parts from the roof of Koss Corporation in Glendale on Thursday, December 20th, Christ Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee on January 23rd, and Galst Foods in Milwaukee on February 4th and 10th.

Each of the crimes was caught on surveillance video at the businesses. But it wasn't until one of the investigating officers recognized Vanpelt that the two were questioned and arrested.

Kirk Johnson



The criminal complaint indicates that Johnson and Vanpelt admit to stealing the air conditioning parts -- and then selling the items to a scrap yard.

If convicted of the charges, Johnson and Vanpelt each face up to ten years in prison and $25,000 in fines.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.