Thieves Steal 100,000 Diapers From Charitable Organization

FOX CROSSING, WI — Jason Havel, 42, of Appleton, and John Forbes, 52, of Neenah, have been arrested for the theft of 1,700 cases of diapers which were intended for distribution to needy families. Both men are former employees of Valley Packaging.

Havel and Forbes stole the diapers from a United Way warehouse in Fox Crossing.

wbay.com reports that some of the diapers have been recovered. About 1,700 cases of diapers were stolen, totaling $45,000 in value. The thefts most likely occurred between Jan. 3 and Feb. 13.

"I think that it was a surprise to a lot of people that this amount of diapers were being taken and that there was actually that big of a resale value, a market for them. Over the years of seeing a lot of different thefts, diapers is definitely strange." Lt. Scott Blashka of the Fox Crossing Police Department told wbay.com.

Police say that a lot of tips came in after the story had been reported by local media, and one of those tips led to the arrest of Havel and Forbes.

wbay.com reports that police followed up on the tips, and one of them led to a connection with Valley Packaging. After interviewing an employee, they were able to make a connection to the two suspects. More information will be released after charges are filed. Havel and Forbes are currently in the Winnebago County Jail facing felony theft charges.

The warehouse that the diapers were stolen from was a temporary location. A move to a new location with better security is being made.

The United Way distributed 300,000 diapers to needy families in northeast Wisconsin last year. Members of the community and businesses came together to replenish the diaper bank after the theft.

Video of press conference from Emily Matesic WBAY Facebook page.

Photo via Shutterstock