Staff Report

Nicholas Paul Reust

NORTH WEBSTER — A Fort Wayne man was arrested for allegedly stealing merchandise from a North Webster store multiple times over the course of several months.

Nicholas Paul Reust, 34, Fort Wayne, is charged with theft where the value of the property is between $750 and $50,000, a level 6 felony.

On Sept. 23, 2023, a North Webster Police officer spoke with a Neighborhood Fresh Market employee regarding a theft report.

According to court documents, an employee noticed Reust grab a shopping cart, fill it with groceries, and walk out of the store without paying.

Reust told employees he stole merchandise from the store for about one year. He admitted to consuming about $15 per week in food since January 2023, for an estimated 40 weeks. He also admitted to stealing home merchandise, estimated around $150 per week for 30 weeks since April 2023.

The total estimated amount of merchandise stolen over time is $5,100.

Security video from the store showed Reust leaving the store without paying for items on Oct. 9, 10, and 13, 2023.

In an interview with police, Reust admitted to taking food without paying for it and estimated he stole more than $3,300 worth of groceries.

Reust has already been arrested and released on bond.