Shoe fetish theft results in probation

WAUKESHA, Wis., Oct. 24 (UPI) -- A 27-year-old man who indulged his shoe fetish by stealing more than 1,500 pairs of shoes in Waukesha, Wis., has been sentenced to four years of probation.

After being convicted of the unusual theft from four local schools, Erik Heinrich was also sentenced by Waukesha County Circuit Judge J. Mac Davis to two months in jail and 100 hours of community service, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said Tuesday.

"The circumstances cry out that there is a mental health issue," the judge said after announcing Heinrich's sentence.

The unique incident came to light on May 21, when several local female high school students reported having had their lockers broken into and having their shoes stolen.

The newspaper said that the ensuing investigation eventually lead police to Heinrich, who said he regretted what he had done and hoped to overcome his affliction through counseling and hard work.

"I'm very ashamed of my past actions," Heinrich said during his trial. "I feel remorse for what I've done and now it's time to move on with my life."