Men charged with theft from Whistling Straits

Two men from out of state have been charged in Sheboygan County with felony theft for allegedly stealing high-value items from the Whistling Straits pro shop and golfers last summer.

Anthony J. Ricci, 35, of Bensenville, Ill., and Jeffrey A. Ziegler, 31, of Bonita Springs, Fla., have both been charged with theft of movable property over $10,000 in value as a party to the crime. Each man faces five years in prison if convicted.

According to the criminal complaint:

Two golfers at Whistling Straits reported to police on Aug. 10 that money and valuables were stolen out of their golf bags when they left the bags at the ninth hole turnaround to visit the men's room.

One of the golfers reported that between $800 and $900 in cash was missing from his golf bag after the bathroom break.

Another golfer in the foursome discovered at the same time that his ring, his wallet and a $15,000 Rolex was missing from his golf bag.

Afterward, investigators made contact with an informant who knew both men and had seen items with the Whistling Straits logo in Ricci's Illinois apartment.

The informant told police that both men had admitted to visiting high-end golf courses to steal valuable items.

Surveillance video from the Whistling Straits Pro Shop from Aug. 10 showed Ricci putting items including clothing into an Under Armour duffel bag and leaving without paying for anything.