JUNEAU — A 40-year-old Green Lake County man who is accused of stealing more than $50,000 worth of implements from area dealers and farmers has been charged with three felony counts of theft.
Gene A. Sauer, N272 Highway M, Cambria, was released on a $500 cash bond following his initial court appearance Monday. He could face up to 30 years in prison and $75,000 in fines if convicted on all three counts of theft of moveable property valued at more than $10,000.
Police were tipped-off when a farmer reportedly spotted his stolen hay rake at Sauer’s Highway M address in Cambria.
According to a criminal complaint, investigators recovered a John Deere Gator and lawn tractor that had been stolen from Ballweg Implement, two Gehl skid loaders that had been stolen from Waupun Implement, and the stolen hay rake on Sauer’s property.
The value of all five stolen items reportedly exceeds $50,000.
Sauer cooperated with investigators, and according to the complaint, detailed how he had used a flat bed trailer to steal the items between spring and fall of 2008.
Police also recovered from Sauer’s farm a John Deere tractor that was stolen from Waushara County, according to the complaint.