According to the criminal complaints, Volkmuth worked as a maintenance worker at the apartment complex on Clough Avenue where the theft occurred. He came up with the idea of taking the money from an unlocked safe on the property and asked Katzmark to help stage a burglary by calling in a false 911 report.
Superior police were called to the apartment complex on Jan. 11, when it was reported that $9,000 in cash had been stolen. The money was from the token system used for doing laundry on-site. Officer Charles Mahlen observed that Volkmuth, who was present, appeared nervous and followed him around during the investigation, at times standing uncomfortably close to the officer.