WALDPORT – A 38-year-old Waldport man already on probation for thefts in 2022 and 2023 has been arrested again on accusations he stole five gas tanks for boats from Alsea Bay Power Products on June 10.
Christopher S. Schwender is charged with four counts of second-degree burglary and theft and one of criminal mischief, according to Lincoln County circuit court records.
A probable cause affidavit by Sheriff’s Deputy Garrett Brawdy said Alsea Bay Power Products staff reported June 10 that someone had broken into a locked area where they keep boats, mowers and other equipment they are working on and took five gas cans. Security footage showed a red Chevrolet Monte Carlo that Brawdy knew belonged to Schwender, according to the deputy’s affidavit.
Brawdy said he went to Schwender’s home, asked about the theft and that Schwender admitted to it and returned three of the five cans. Two were already gone, he said.
Brawdy arrested Schwender and he was indicted by a grand jury five days later.
According to Lincoln County court records, Schwender has a criminal history dating back to 2018, numerous probation violations, short jail sentences and is currently on probation from an October 2022 theft from Copeland Lumber in Waldport and a March theft from C&K Market in Yachats.
Schwender is next due in court June 20.
this is what makes me mad. nobody remembers my dad before he was a criminal. my dad was an amazing father to his three kids. he worked five days a week and did side jobs on the weekends to make extra money so his wife and kids could have a great life. people decide that they only want to view him as a criminal for the last few years. nobody ever shows him any support and always tries to put him down in the worst ways possible. maybe if some people were positive and gave him an honest chance he would’nt act the way he is. i am not excusing his behavior but some people need a little bit of help and this is not helping at all. how about everybody that dogs on him and talks crap tries to be positive and realize that even through his trouble he has been a great dad and has always put his kids first. like i said the way he has been acting is not okay at all and he needs to change that but i know my dad very well and i know that jail isnt gonna help him at all he needs one on one counseling and needs a little bit of support
Sometimes people steal to feed a habit but not their family. Sometimes people are given up on because they take advantage of others repeatedly. There are plenty of jobs for people who want to work and are clean.