APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Michael Thorpe was sentenced Friday to 16 years in prison for his role in the robbery of a Grand Chute coin store by a man disguised in a wig and dress.
Thorpe, 40, was convicted of being party to armed robbery, substantial battery, and criminal damage to property.
He was also placed on extended supervision for 11 years by Judge Mark Schroeder.
Before the sentence was issued, Thorpe apologized for his role but said he didn’t know it would turn violent. He said he is working to stay sober and improve his life.
According to criminal complaints, Beau Wastel walked into Affordable Rare Coins in Grand Chute on Aug. 10. He allegedly asked to see a baseball card in a case, and when the employee bent over to open the case, prosecutors say Wastel hit him in the head with the wrench. The employee ran out of the store and Wastel allegedly ran after him, continuing to swing the wrench at him.
Surveillance video showed Wastel then going back into the store, smashing a display case, and running out with property from the case.
After police issued a news release, they say several tips led them to Wastel. In an interview, Wastel said that Cory Schmitz introduced him to Michael Thorpe. Thorpe “told Wastel he had a ‘lick’ that was going to be easy and they would get approximately $15,000,” according to the criminal complaint. Thorpe and Wastel agreed to split the proceeds, prosecutors say. Schmitz allegedly received a few coins for introducing Wastel and Thorpe to each other.
Thorpe told police he pawned his coins, using a fake ID, and received $300.
Wastel has a plea hearing Aug. 27. Schmitz has a pretrial conference Sept. 11.
