Oak Creek Man Accused in Nine Business Burglaries

A suspect from Oak Creek has been charged with nine felony counts of burglary following a series of break-ins targeting businesses in Milwaukee and nearby southern suburbs. The alleged incidents occurred over a two-year period, from May 2023 to May 2025. The accused, Raymond Ratzel, 43, faces significant penalties, including up to 18 years and six months in prison for each count.

Ratzel is accused of entering restaurants, cafes, and retail establishments by force, often smashing windows or doors to gain access. Stolen items primarily consisted of cash registers, with one incident resulting in the theft of an estimated $18,000. Authorities utilized surveillance footage, phone records, vehicle data, and witness identifications, including some who knew Ratzel, to build their case. In one instance, DNA evidence collected at a crime scene was consistent with Ratzel.