This is a drastic change from a few years ago where the MPD advised a bike theft victim not to try to engage the seller on craigslist, and refused to investigate the incident themselves due to the bicycle being valued at less than $2,500. If the city cannot secure a conviction though, the MPD are unlikely to continue enforcement in cases similar to this one.
Relevant statute: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/943/III/34 I suspect the chances of a conviction on the stated charge are pretty low - the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person selling the bicycle knowingly or intentionally received the stolen property. I'm not sure telling two conflicting stories before/after arrest is sufficient proof that the seller knew the property was stolen when he acquired it. Prosecutors have been known to modify the charge after the initial court date is set, so there may be more hope with a modified charge. Bicycle recovery rates are abysmally low at less than 1 in 40. If the MPD can improve that rate by enforcement actions like this one, I'm all for it. -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Michael Rewey Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 1:08 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Bikies] Stolen Bike Recovered A stolen bike recovery report. Thank you MPD. http://www.cityofmadison.com/incidentReports/incidentDetail.cfm?id=14050 MIke Rewey _______________________________________________ Bikies mailing list [email protected] http://lists.danenet.org/listinfo.cgi/bikies-danenet.org _______________________________________________ Bikies mailing list [email protected] http://lists.danenet.org/listinfo.cgi/bikies-danenet.org
