MASON CITY – Two Riceville men have plead guilty to stealing over $1,200 worth of merchandise from Wal-Mart in Mason City.
Jeremy Birchem, age 21, and Chris Gansen, age 19, both of Riceville, were arrested following a shoplifting investigation from Wal-Mart that was reported to police on September 17, 2013. The pair were accused of stealing $1,250 worth of merchandise. Both were charged with felony D second degree theft.
On February 24th, Birchem plead guilty to misdemeanor third degree theft. He received a deferred judgement and a year of probation, along with a fine. Birchem will have to pay a total of $2,184.08, which includes the $625.00 fine and $1,254.08 in restitution.
Gansen plead guilty in January to felony second degree theft and will be sentenced on March 12th.