.
Feedback

Wauwatosa West Student Charged With Stolen Debit Card Shopping Spree

Suspect, 17, allegedly takes the victim's debit card from the school and goes on a $1,400 spending binge

A 17-year-old student is facing multiple charges after he allegedly stole a classmate’s debit card, then used it to buy $1,400 in goods from area stores.

Job Devonte Ellis, of Milwaukee, was charged in Milwaukee County Circuit Court Saturday with three counts of theft. If convicted, he faces up to 27 months in prison and $30,000 in fines.

According to the criminal complaint:

On May 16, a West student went to the to report his debit card had been stolen from school. He said the card had been in his wallet in a pair of pants above a locker during gym class, and he suspected the card was taken then.

The victim told police he suspected Ellis in the theft because he invited him to hang out with friends a few days prior, and Ellis was in a car where the victim needed to get cash and told the driver his PIN number at a drive-thru ATM.

He said other classmates also noticed Ellis left school early on the day of the theft.

Investigators discovered between 11:45 a.m. and 1:54 p.m. the card was used twice at an ATM, with only one of the transactions being successful. It was also used once at for a $359 purchase; twice at for a $206 total purchase; once at for a $509 purchase; and once at Pak’s Jewelers for a $328 purchase.

Surveillance footage of the purchases showed Ellis buying the goods. He admitted to the theft to police, saying he took the debit card because “it was easy.”

He’s currently free on a $200 signature bond while awaiting trial. 

David June 12, 2012 at 12:05 pm
The crooks name is Job. Ironic.
Throw him in jail!
3393 June 12, 2012 at 12:38 pm
This kid has been in a TON of fights at Tosa West. Wonder why he was still in school and not expelled prior to this crime. Good question!
The Donny Show June 12, 2012 at 02:02 pm
It is not fair ro judge him. He probably had a bad childhood. He surely has no positive male role models. He has food to speak of. He did this to survive. Walker is crushing the poor. He hates the poor. We need to change so kids like this dont have to do this.
greensheet June 12, 2012 at 03:39 pm
Guaranteed there is an expensive pair of sneakers in there somewhere.
Also, I would bet that everyting else he bought was already stolen from him.
3393 June 12, 2012 at 04:26 pm
Yeah sure. Taking the fruits of my labor and giving it to him will solve his problems. What a brilliant concept.
So this kid stole because of Walker and I have to change so he won't do it again? Hey....that's a pretty good joke.
Jim June 12, 2012 at 04:37 pm
How racist are all your comments! He committed a crime..It saddening, that in this day and time we will still have bigots! Is this what you teach your children.
Deb Strzelecki June 12, 2012 at 04:43 pm
Over $500 at Macy's to "survive?" Yah right. I grew up poor in the barrio in Milwaukee and never stole anything. Raised by only Mother. Started out with crappy jobs at minimum wage. Get real.
3393 June 12, 2012 at 04:58 pm
Where in the heck is the racism?
Satori June 12, 2012 at 05:08 pm
3393, be patient. Alfred hasn't chimed yet.
Nancy Hall June 13, 2012 at 01:50 am
The comments are overtly elitist. The racism is between the lines.
3393 June 13, 2012 at 02:33 am
Elitist? Racism? Wow....this society is in trouble if people can't hold a person accountable for his own behavior. I ask why a governor is blamed and why I should change because a punk gets in tons of fights and then rips his friend off. Who brought up the color of skin? Who brought up the poor? Where in this article does it state his parents income? And who is making assumptions.....look in the mirror.
Nancy Hall June 13, 2012 at 03:47 am
Interesting that you assumed I was talking about you, 3393. Thou doth protest too much. I could have been talking about at least one other poster; but if you want to own this, it's yours.
I agree that people should be accountable for their behavior. That means you're accountable for what you write.
3393 June 13, 2012 at 08:56 am
Excellent, non-racist and truthful remarks 3393. Some of these comments from enablers like Nancy reveal why 50 years of entitlement programs supported by people who think like her have been an utter failure to the people they intended to help and a drain on society. They will always play the race card, along with their other favorites--guilt and pity. Remember--they know and care more than the rest of us. Not!!

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Wauwatosa Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Walker celebrates after defeating the liberal unionista blue fisters
Laurie Goetz June 5, 2013 at 08:34 pm
I dislike so much sarcasm in one post. Why not just come out and say something directly?
John Q. Public June 6, 2013 at 09:39 pm
Steve, I have friends and co-workers whose political leanings vary from far right to far left andRead More everything in between. I certainly wouldn't make decisions "on their future" simply based on whether or not they signed a petition. I value the input I receive from my exposure to their varying viewpoints. It seems awfully petty and shortsighted to base so many decisions on one factor. When I hire an employee, political opinions are not important to me - credentials, experience, work ethic, that's what I look for; I am interested in hiring a competent person, not someone who simply shares my political leanings. You frequently tout yourself as a "producer" - of what, I don't know. Since you so strongly support the idea of making decisions on the litmus test of whether or not someone supports or opposes Governor Walker, I suggest that you let everyone know the name of your company and what you produce. That way, people who share your ideals can support your business and those that don't can make an educated decision as to whether or not they want to work with you.
Bucky June 17, 2013 at 07:20 pm
One battle lost is not the end of the war. Walker has proven to be the biggest loser that this stateRead More has ever seen. We are almost last in every catagory and if your married with daughters all your thier rights have been taken away by your God. Remember when you and Walker take your place in hell the dead will some day walk the earth again.
JudyLee Tarbox June 5, 2013 at 08:16 am
What time is the Student Play festival@ East?
Liz June 5, 2013 at 09:19 am
The show starts at 7pm both nights. Hope to see you there!