Milwaukee hospital valet confusion, man accused of stealing car

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County prosecutors charged a man who they say was confused for a hospital valet driver – and drove off in someone’s car anyway – on Saturday, Dec. 21. 

Court records show 28-year-old Jessie Reyes-Fleischmann is now accused of operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent and misdemeanor obstructing an officer.

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According to a criminal complaint, the victim was unloading his car outside Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center on Milwaukee’s south side and saw two men standing outside. The victim said he thought the men were valet drivers, and he handed one of them his car keys.

When the victim later spoke to medical staff about retrieving his car, court filings state he was informed the hospital does not have a valet service. The victim then realized his car had been taken, and he reported it stolen to MPD.

In custody

Early the next morning, Greenfield police located and pulled over the stolen car. Prosecutors said the driver, later identified Reyes-Fleischmann, initially gave officers a fake name. His true identity was not learned until he was booked.

During an interview, the complaint states Reyes-Fleischmann told police he asked the victim at the hospital if he needed help. The victim then handed over his keys and said “can somebody take my car.” He said he got in and started driving around, but admitted he should have told the man no – that he was “stupid” and should’ve just parked the car.

Court records show Reyes-Fleischmann made his initial court appearance on Thursday. His bond was set at $1,500.