Brookfield Woman Narrowly Avoids Felony Count in Mayfair Jewelry Theft

A Brookfield woman could have been charged with a felony for shoplifting a load of jewelry at Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa, but instead she faces a serious misdemeanor count of theft, according to police reports and court documents.

Jane Elizabeth Montgomery, 28, was charged Thursday in Milwaukee County Circuit Court with "intentionally taking" less than $500 worth of property, punishable by up to nine months in jail.

But according to police reports, Montgomery actually attempted to steal about twice that amount, in retail value, and the department requested a felony count that could have been punished with up to three years and six months in prison.

At 9:20 p.m., last Monday, Montgomery was arrested on suspicion of theft from Boston Store at Mayfair Mall after she was seen on camera pilfering jewelry, police said.

She was stopped as she tried to leave the store and was found to have 29 pieces from Boston Store, worth $946 retail value. She also had $148 worth of tagged items from the Icing store, but because she was not seen taking them, the manager did not wish to try to prosecute.

Montgomery told police she took some of the jewelry to wear to work at Soma Intimates in the mall but intended to sell most of it for cash because she was strapped for funds.

Montgomery was sent to the County Jail and was released on a signature bond. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for March 19.