Police: Man Says He Stole $13 of Food Because He's Homeless

Police say a man accused of stealing $13 worth of food from a local grocery store told officers he did it because he's homeless and hadn't eaten in two days.

Michael Lane, 54, of Racine, was charged Monday in Racine County Circuit Court with a single count of misdemeanor retail theft. If convicted, he faces up to nine months in jail and/or up to $10,000 in fines.

But, because Lane is currently serving 2-1/2 years of extended supervision for a 2010 drug conviction currently being appealed, he could see additional jail time for this new charge.

According to the criminal complaint, Mount Pleasant police were called to Piggly Wiggly on Washington Avenue at 11:31 a.m. Friday for a report of shoplifting. When officers arrived, employees said they spotted the defendant place a can of pinto beans in his jacket pocket while he was in the canned foods aisle.

Then, witnesses say Lane visited the meat department and placed a package of smoked ham hocks in his jacket under his arm. Store employees also told police Lane took a package of hot dogs and hid it in his other front jacket pocket. When he attempted to leave the store after passing the last point of purchase, employees stopped him and escorted him back to the security office, the complaint reads.

The total cost of the food Lane tried to take was $13.68.

When police ran his name, they discovered Lane was under state Department of Corrections supervision. As he was being placed in a squad car for transport to the Racine County Jail, officers say Lane told them, "I'm homeless and hungry. I stole the food because I haven't eaten in two days. I would have paid the store back."

Lane remains in the Racine County Jail on a $100 cash bond. His next court date on the theft charge is July 25.