Alleged beef, lobster thief says 'times are tough'

[January 02, 2009]  RACINE, Wis. (AP) -- This alleged grocery thief apparently has a taste for finer cuisine. Racine police said 43-year-old Brian A. Rubenstein tried to steal $625 in groceries, including $365 in lobster and $213 in ribeye and beef roasts. Police said the Kenosha man was arrested Dec. 23 after store employees caught him walking out with a loaded cart.

Workers told police they saw Rubenstein fill his cart with lobster tails and beef cuts, as well as a smoked ham, apple pie and fruit platter.

Rubenstein was charged Friday with misdemeanor retail theft, which carries a maximum penalty of nine months in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Rubenstein didn't immediately return a message left Wednesday evening.

Police say he told investigators times are tough.

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Information from: The Journal Times, http://www.journaltimes.com/

[Associated Press]

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