Homegrown Criminal Of the Day

Not to be outdone, the West Coast of Wisconsin has come up with its own entry in the list of unbelieveable criminal acts.  Although, it is probably unfair to call this one stupid since the individual has a long history of mental problems (which should be apparent as you read what occurred).

In 2009, Alejo Santana, 49 robbed the People's Food Coop in downtown La Crosse.  When convicted, he was placed on probation.  On Monday, March 21, 2011, very shortly after that probation expired, Santana was back at the the same business - the People's Food Coop.  He went through the check out line and encountered the same clerk. 

As before, he told this same clerk he had a gun and threatened to kill her.  His statements were almost identical to what he said in his robbery from 2009.  This time, the clerk did not turn over any money.  She told him to leave.  But Santana didn't get far.  Why? An off duty part-time sheriff's deputy was behind him in the checkout line and saw and heard his exchange with the clerk.  He called the incident in and kept Santana in sight until police arrived to arrest him. 

This would be hilarious if it was not so tragic.  After the 2009 incident, Santana was initially found incompetent to stand trial his mental issues were so severe.  When being treated at the mental hospital, he said he had committed the robbery in hopes of being sent to prison.  He reportedly said "I feel more happy in prison."  While mental health care is what he needs, he may get his wish this time. 

UPDATE - 4/15/11 At his sentencing hearing today, Mr. Santana asked the Judge to give him the maximum penalty.  The Judge declined saying the circumstances of the case did not warrant the maximum.  Instead, Mr. Santana got a sentence of 10 years in prison, prompting him to thank the court, the prosecutor and his attorney.