Rapids Woman Charged in Attempted Computer Theft

By Jacob Mathias
A Wisconsin Rapids woman faces possible jail time and fines after the alleged attempted theft of a computer from Riverview Hospital.
Sara Jinsky, 45, made her initial appearance in Wood County Circuit Court today and is charged with theft of movable property and carrying a concealed weapon, both class A misdemeanors which if she is convicted could lead to up to a $10,000 fine or nine months imprisonment or both.
According to court documents, on August 19 a Wisconsin Rapids Police officer was dispatched to Riverview Hospital on Dewey St. in response to a complaint of possible theft. Upon arrival, the officer met with a hospital security guard who identified a woman walking through the building’s parking garage carrying several plastic bags as Jinsky.
The security guard said Jinsky had attempted take a computer out of a hospital waiting room. He also told officers he saw Jinsky dispose of a computer keyboard in some bushes outside the hospital which he later recovered.
Police reports say Jinsky denied attempting to take anything. She reportedly told officers she had a friend who works at the hospital who asked her to come and get the computer for him.
Hospital staff reported to police that they had told Jinsky multiple times to leave the computer in the waiting room. They confronted Jinsky as she left the hospital and were able to take back the computer but she was able to leave with the keyboard.
When police arrested Jinsky and made a subsequent search of her belongings, they found a four inch switchblade knife in her purse for which she did not have a permit to carry.
Jinsky is free on a $2,000 signature bond and is to have no contact with Riverview Hospital unless she has a medical emergency or scheduled appointment.
She returns to Wood County Circuit Court on November 6 at 9:00 AM for a pre-trial conference.