A Seneca Falls man is facing yet another criminal charge following a theft investigation last month, adding to a growing list of recent arrests involving violent and disruptive behavior.
Police arrested 47-year-old Richard A. Wollek on March 7 after receiving a report of stolen merchandise from a local store. Officers located Wollek in possession of the items and charged him with one count of petit larceny, a misdemeanor. He was processed at the Seneca Falls Police Department and released on an appearance ticket.
The incident marks the third time in recent weeks that Wollek has been arrested by Seneca Falls police. On February 28, he was taken into custody for allegedly stealing from the Walmart on North Road. Officers said he passed all points of sale without paying for several items. He was also charged with petit larceny in that case and released pending a court appearance.
Most recently, on March 24, Wollek was arrested following a domestic incident in Seneca County. According to authorities, he assaulted a victim by throwing a chair, slapping them multiple times, and placing his hands on their neck. At the time, a class B order of protection was in place, prohibiting him from making physical contact with the victim.
As a result of that incident, Wollek was charged with first-degree criminal contempt, a class E felony, as well as second-degree harassment and disorderly conduct. He was transported to the Seneca County Correctional Facility and is awaiting court proceedings.
Wollek was previously arrested in December after an incident in Wayne County, where police say he destroyed a camper and assaulted a woman with a television.
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