A 47-year-old carnival worker and felon was charged Friday with allegedly breaking into a Waukesha home last week, stealing a rifle, and riding off into the sunset on a stolen tractor.
Richard D. Martinson was charged June 26 in Waukesha County Circuit Court with firearm theft, possession of a firearm by a felon, carrying a concealed weapon, obstructing an officer and misdemeanor theft.
According to the complaint:
Waukesha Police were dispatched at 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, June 26 to 2801 N. University Drive, City of Waukesha, after receiving reports of a man in possession of a weapon.
Police said that Martinson was noticeably drunk and had in his possession a blue duffel bag which contained a bolt-action rifle. Martinson, who had a pending warrant in Walworth County, allegedly gave false information when asked his birth date and address.
Police were contacted about a burglary at 2921 Coventry Lane, City of Waukesha, while investigating Martinson's claims. Tenant William Swain told police that Martinson and his fiancee were renting a room at his home. Swain said while he was out shopping, Martinson allegedly sneaked into the house and stole both the tractor and the bolt-action rifle, which was secured in his bedroom.
Martinson's fiancee told police that the couple were carnival workers and had just arrived in town from Joliet, Ill.
Martinson could face more than 18 years in prison and $65,000 in fines if convicted.
He is being held on a $20,000 cash bond and is next expected to appear in court July 5.