Wisconsin couple charged with identity theft

Two suspects have been charged with multiple counts of identity theft for allegedly stealing from Klinger Farm Market in Eagle Point, Wisconsin, The Chippewa Herald reports. Tanner R. Berg and his wife, Mercedes B. Berg, were charged with 12 counts of identity theft for financial gain. Tanner was additionally charged with three counts of felony bail jumping and Mercedes with two counts of misdemeanor bail jumping. The investigation began when David E. Klinger, owner of Klinger Farm Market, revealed to the sheriff's department investigator that numerous unauthorized transactions were made through his farm's business account, six of which were made online, the news source states. Klinger initially suspected Tanner, as he was a relative of his and had similar incidents in the past. The Tanners used the farm's business account fraudulently to pay for their debts, cell phone bills, Wal-Mart purchases, bill payments to banks and jewelry. In total, the Tanners cost Klinger Farm Market more than $8,000 in damages. In addition to the identity theft charges, Tanner Berg will also be charged with forgery and receiving stolen property from previous offenses.