Wautoma Sex Offender Suspected in Vehicle Thefts

A 33-year-old Wautoma sex offender is facing two counts of vehicle theft.

According to Wautoma Police the latest incident happened when they were called to Pickle Row on Sunday June 22^nd. Using surveillance video they were able to identify Justin Socha as a suspect. They tracked the location of the stolen vehicle using a flock camera system.

The Wautoma Parole and Probation Office aided in tracking Socha who wears a GPS ankle monitor. He and the vehicle were found in Fond du Lac. Fond du Lac Police aided in taking Socha into custody and recovering the vehicle.

Socha admitted to Wautoma Police taking another vehicle in Wautoma last November.  Police recovered DNA from that vehicle and have been waiting for results from the state crime lab.

Socha made an appearance in Waushara County Court Friday. He is charged with two counts of operating a motor vehicle without owners’ consent. Bond was set at $600 cash. His initial court appearance is scheduled for July 25^th.