Thiensville, WI – A once-popular local restaurant has been hit by another wave of misfortune, as three former employees face criminal charges for allegedly breaking into the now-shuttered Cheel restaurant and stealing more than $9,000 worth of property.
Authorities say Patrick Collins, Lucas Hensel, and Cheryl Raymond illegally entered the restaurant using past key code credentials on February 24. Once inside, they reportedly took 47 bottles of liquor, silverware, napkins, a bottle of cherries, and even silver ice tongs.
Police responded to the scene after receiving a report of individuals removing items from the closed establishment. When officers arrived, they found five people present, including a contractor who claimed he was only there to pick up a ladder with permission from one of the owners. However, two other owners and their attorneys later informed law enforcement that no one was authorized to remove anything from the premises.
Hensel admitted to officers that he did not have permission to be inside but encouraged the others to take what they wanted, believing the owners “wouldn’t miss anything.” Now, all three suspects face serious charges, including theft and unlawful entry into a locked building. If convicted, they could each face more than four years behind bars.
The Cheel restaurant had been a beloved part of the Thiensville community, first burning down in 2020, reopening in 2023, and permanently closing later that year. Residents expressed disappointment over the incident, with one local, Pam Matar, stating, “It’s too bad it had to be employees. Is it worth getting caught?”
All three accused are scheduled to appear in court again in April as the case unfolds.
