Man faces charges after allegedly stealing gold coins from woman

RACINE (WITI) -- 26-year-old Nicholas Craft of Racine is facing charges after he allegedly stole four packages of gold coins from an 86-year-old woman he was living with on Erie Street in Racine.

According to the criminal complaint, Craft told police he stole the coins on December 22nd, which was approximately three days before he moved out of the residence he shared with the 86-year-old woman.

The complaint indicates that on December 22nd, Craft sold five coins to Lesa Jewelers -- Craft allegedly visited that jewelers on five separate occasions to sell coins. Craft told police he also sold coins at One Stop Foods and American Coin.

In total, Craft sold 16 gold coins -- and received an estimated $4,200.

Craft told police he spent some of the money on gas for his friends, food, hotel, movies, electronics, and drugs.

According to the criminal complaint, the victim told police that the four packages of gold coins were originally purchased for $5,000 a package.

The complaint indicates the victim believes that the total value of the gold coins was $20,000 and she also believes approximately $3,000 additional cash was stolen from her home.

Following the theft,  police located and arrested Craft at an America's Best Value Inn in Racine. During the arrest, police located a plastic baggie in Craft's right front jacket pocket containing what appeared to be Tetrahydrocannabinol.

Police also located a crumpled up receipt that contained an off-white brownish powdery substance, and a glass pipe.

When Nicholas Craft was interviewed regarding the stolen coins, he stated, "I did it, I'm (expletive). I sold them all. There's nothing in this room."

Craft was charged with possession of narcotic drugs,  possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony theft-movable property.