by Anne Jungen | Lee Newspapers
Five people are accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of newly manufactured merchandise from Ashley Furniture in Arcadia, Wis.

Charged with conspiracy to commit felony theft in Trempealeau County Circuit Court were Rena and Jeffrey Back, 42 and 46 respectively, of Taylor, Wis.; Casey Reininger, 23, and Devin Kolve, 20, both of Hixton, Wis.; and Henry G. Johnson, 42, of Merrillan, Wis.


Jeffrey Back, Kolve and Johnson worked in Ashley’s shipping department, according to the criminal complaint.

July 15, the Backs, Reininger and Kolve unloaded between $40,000 and $60,000 of stolen furniture from a semi-truck and trailer at the Backs’ house, according to the complaint.

In an attempt to conceal half of the furniture, the Backs and Reininger hauled it to a storage unit in Jefferson County on Aug. 9, where they were arrested by sheriff’s deputies while unloading, according to the complaint.

The Backs, Reininger and Kolve were released on signature bonds, while Johnson posted his $2,500 cash bond Thursday. Johnson’s next court date is Aug. 24, with the others returning to court Aug. 30.

Anne Jungen can be reached at (608) 791-8224 or ajungen @lacrossetribune.com.
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