Woman Steals 59 Cans of Baby Formula From Brookfield Grocery Stores, Police Say

A 29-year-old West Allis woman is accused of stealing about 60 cans of baby formula from two Brookfield grocery stores.

Sarah R. LaPorta was charged in Waukesha County Circuit Court on Friday with felony retail theft and misdemeanor retail theft. If convicted of both charges, she faces up to eight years and three months in prison and $20,000 in fines. LaPorta faces stiffer penalties because of past criminal convictions.

LaPorta remains jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail.

LaPorta is accused of stealing 30 cans of baby formula from the Greenfield Avenue Pick N’ Save on Aug. 26 and 29 cans of baby formula and two bags of potato chips on Aug. 27 from Pick N’ Save on North Calhoun Road, according to the complaint.

LaPorta was arrested on Thursday after Brookfield police officers responded to a theft in progress call at the Pick N’ Save on North Calhoun Road. They found her laying down in a vehicle in the store parking lot when they responded.

LaPorta told police she resold the formula for $8 a can and used the money to purchase heroin and items for her children, the complaint states.