Man charged with stealing $45K of glasses

MILWAUKEE -- An Illinois man is accused of stealing more than $45,000 worth of eyeglasses from suburban Milwaukee stores because he enjoys being around eyewear.

Jerry Lowery, 38, is charged with three counts of armed robbery and one count of fleeing an officer. The charges carry a maximum penalty of more than 120 years in prison and a $310,000 fine.

Prosecutors say Lowery walked into three shops between April and July and said he had a gun. They say he took more than 500 pairs of high-end glasses including Prada and Gucci brands, but didn't take cash.

The criminal complaint quotes Lowery as saying he "really likes to be around glasses."

He told investigators he tries them on in front of a mirror and then discards them.

Online court records didn't list a defense attorney Monday.