A 70-year-old man from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is facing a felony charge after being accused of stealing metal panels from a local construction site. Ricky Winschel has been charged with felony stealing, as stated in online court records.
The incident occurred at a construction site where metal panels were delivered for use in building projects. Crews working at the site discovered on the morning of January 15, 2025, that a significant portion of the metal panels had gone missing. Investigators later determined that the stolen panels were worth approximately $12,000.
In an investigation following the theft, authorities were able to trace the stolen materials back to Winschel. According to a probable cause statement, Winschel confessed to taking the metal panels from the construction site. He further admitted that he sold the stolen panels to a nearby recycling center for an undisclosed amount.
The crime has raised concerns about the vulnerability of construction sites to theft, particularly with valuable materials like metal panels. These materials are often targeted because they can be easily resold at recycling centers, making them an attractive target for criminals.
Winschel’s actions have prompted the Cape Girardeau authorities to continue emphasizing the importance of security at construction sites and vigilance among workers. The theft not only resulted in financial losses for the construction company but also disrupted ongoing work at the site.
The felony stealing charge against Winschel underscores the seriousness of the crime, with penalties for felony theft in Missouri potentially including prison time, substantial fines, and restitution for the stolen property. The case is still under investigation, and further developments are expected as the legal proceedings continue.
