A Racine teenager was assigned a $1,000 signature bond Monday after the Racine County District Attorney’s Office said he stole over $8,000 in merchandise from Champs Sports in Regency Mall.
James Green, 17, was charged Monday with one felony count of theft. If convicted, he faces up to six years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines.
According to the criminal complaint, store security personnel called police Friday to report several thefts by Green from the store. Green has been employed there since September 2016. Store security said Green would charge customers low amounts – usually less than $10 – and then allow them to leave with quantities of expensive goods.
All told, the store lost $8,567.93, police say. When he was questioned, Green admitted what he did and said that he was trying to help his girlfriend and his own family because of tough financial circumstances.
Green will next be in court Jan. 3 for his preliminary hearing.