Business Owner's Shopping Spree Ends in Felony Charges, Complaint Says

A Brookfield business owner is accused of using a client’s credit card to go grocery shopping, out to eat, at a salon and spa and at a modeling agency, spending more than $260 on the card.

Nichole R. Baird, 38, was charged Thursday in Waukesha County Circuit Court with four counts of identity theft. She faces up to 12 years in prison and $40,000 in fines if convicted.

A Maryland woman contacted the Brookfield Police Department after she learned May 17, 2012, that a credit card was opened in her name. The address listed back to Baird, who the woman hired as a property manager for an Illinois home, according to a criminal complaint.

The credit card bill included purchases at Takara in Elm Grove, Hair Decisions in New Berlin, John Casablancas in Brookfield, and a Pick N’ Save on Greenfield Avenue, according to the complaint.

Baird admitted to using the credit card without permission and to the four transactions. She also told investigators she used it twice at Marcus Majestic Theatre and at an Open Pantry.

Baird Property Management is ranked with an “F” on the Better Business Bureau’s website.

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