Two Fox Valley men made initial appearances in Waupaca County Circuit Court, in connection with the theft of nearly 80 guns from a Weyauwega-area storage unit last week.
Nicholas Paasch, 20, of Hortonville and 19 year-old Alexander Kirstein of Appleton face felony burglary and theft charges. They're alleged to have burglarized a unit at Hillside Storage last Tuesday night, taking the weapons, which were mostly collector and specialized guns. Just three nights later, Paasch and Kirstein were arrested after allegedly burglarizing units at the same facility. Deputies found two welders, a generator, golf clubs, a chain saw and other tools in the back of the truck driven by the pair.
Assistant District Attorney Vicki Taggatz asked for $10,000 signature bonds for both men, noting that they've been cooperating with investigators and that most of the stolen items have already been recovered. Most of the stolen firearms were found at Paasch's residence, while as many as 20 others were dumped into the Wolf River. Paasch and Kirstein each face up to 30 years in prison if convicted. They're due back in court on December 30.
