Richland County Sheriff's Office

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • General Information
    • Citizen Compliment or Complaint
    • Civil Process
    • Records Requests
    • K9 Aron
      • K9 Rambo
      • K9 Titan
    • Pictures
    • Links
    • Policies
    • FAQs
    • History
  • Jail
    • Inmate Services
    • Inmate Texting Option
  • Sheriff’s Sales
    • Sale Information
    • Fees & Requirements
  • Employment
  • News
    • Press Releases
    • The Sheriff’s Column
  • Agendas & Minutes
  • Contact
    • Staff

One In Custody After Pursuits In Two Counties

February 28, 2025 By Chief Deputy

WHEN: 02/23/2025
TIME of Incident: 10:20 PM

WHO Involved: Alexis Moen, 29, of Richland Center, WI

WHERE Incident Happened: City of Richland Center

What happened: ON 2-23-25 THE RICHLAND CENTER POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS DISPATCHED TO A POSSIBLE DOMESTIC DISTRUBANCE WITHIN THE CITY OF RICHLAND CENTER. THE SUSPECT WAS IDENTIFIED AS ALEXIS MOEN AND LEFT THE RESIDENCE WHILE THE CALLER WAS ON THE PHONE WITH RICHLAND COUNTY DISPATCH. MOEN WAS REPORTED TO BE VERY INTOXICATED AND POSSIBLY CRASHED AFTER LEAVING THE HOME. MOEN WAS LOCATED BY OFFICERS OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND RICHLAND COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE, WHERE THEY ATTEMPTED TO CONDUCT A TRAFFIC STOP AND A PURSUIT WAS INITIATED. DURING THE PURSUIT MOEN STOPPED AND A HIGH RISK STOP WAS CONDUCTED. MOEN THEN BEGAN FLEEING AGAIN AND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO GO AROUND A SQUAD CAR SHE CRASHED IN TO A PARKED CAR. THE PURSUIT CONTINUED THROUGHT THE CITY OF RICHLAND CENTER UNTIL TERMINATED BY THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE. INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED TO THE GRANT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AS SHE WAS KNOWN TO FREQUENT THAT AREA. MOEN WAS LOCATED BY THE BOSCOBEL POLICE DEPARTMENT AND ANTOHER PURSUIT WAS INITIATED. MOEN WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY BY THE BOSCOBEL POLICE DEPARTMENT AND GRANT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE FOR CHARGES WITHIN THEIR COUNTY AND MULTIPLE CHARGES WITHIN RICHLAND COUNTY. DURING A SEARCH OF THE VEHICLE ITEMS OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA WERE LOCATED.

Other Agencies Involved: Richland Center Police Department, Boscobel Police Department, Grant County Sheriff’s Office

Charges: MISDEMEANOR BAIL JUMPING, OPERATING AFTER REVOCATION, FLEE/ELUDE LAW ENFORCEMENT, HIT AND RUN, 2ND DEGREE RECKLESS ENDANGERING SAFETY, POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, NUMEROUS TRAFFIC CITATIONS

Filed Under: News, Press Releases

Crawford County Sheriff’s Office Recovers Stolen Sawmill, Makes Multiple Arrests

December 16, 2024 By Chief Deputy

WHEN: 12/15/2024

WHO Involved: Rusty A. Jones, 62, of Blue River, WI
Riley J. Jenson, 28, of Blue River, WI
Brandon K. Mohr, 30, of Blue River, WI
Elizabeth P. Gehler, 28, of Blue River, WI

WHERE Incident Happened: 32776 Rustys Lane, Blue River, WI 53518

What happened: Crawford County, WI – December 15, 2024 – The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office has successfully recovered a stolen sawmill valued at several thousand dollars and made multiple arrests following a coordinated effort with neighboring law enforcement agencies.
On December 7, 2024, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a theft involving a sawmill from a property located near County S, in the Township of Haney, Crawford County, Wisconsin. The sheriff’s office immediately began working with the Richland and Grant County Sheriff’s Offices to investigate the incident and identify potential suspects.

After an extensive investigation, authorities secured a search warrant for the property at 32776 Rusty Lane, Blue River, in Richland County. In the early morning hours of December 15, 2024, the Crawford, Richland, and Grant County Sheriff’s Offices executed the warrant. During the search, the stolen sawmill was located, and several individuals were detained at the scene.

As a result of the operation, multiple arrests were made, and charges are being referred to the Crawford and Richland County District Attorney’s Offices. Rusty A. Jones, 62, Riley J. Jenson, 28, Brandon K. Mohr, 30, and Elizabeth P. Gehler, 28, all of Blue River, face multiple charges, including felony theft, bail jumping, and possession of stolen property- party to a crime.

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Richland and Grant County Sheriff’s Offices, continues to investigate the case. Authorities are committed to holding those responsible accountable and ensuring justice for the victims of this crime.

Filed Under: News, Press Releases

Richland County Resident Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography – 12/9

December 9, 2024 By Chief Deputy

WHEN: 12/09/2024
TIME of Incident: 8:30 AM

WHO Involved: Talan G. Miller, 19, of Lone Rock, WI

WHERE Incident Happened: 140 South County Line Road, Lone Rock, WI 53556

What happened: Sheriff Clay Porter reports that the Richland County Sheriff’s Office was assigned two CyberTips as an affiliated member of the Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforce for reported possession of child pornography.

On December 9th, 2024, Deputies completed a search warrant as a result of this investigation. Deputies took into custody, Talan G. Miller, 19 years old from Lone Rock, for three counts of Possession of Child Pornography and one count of Felony Bail Jumping. At the time of this arrest, Talan Miller was currently serving a Diversion Agreement for similar acts that generated a CyberTip in May 2023.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in this investigation by Wisconsin ICAC Taskforce, Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI)-Digital Evidence Unit (DEU), and Richland Center Police Department.

Sheriff Porter would like to remind all that if they wish to report crimes or drug information, they can contact Richland County Crime Stoppers at (608) 647-CLUE(2583) or submit a tip at p3tips.com. Those utilizing these resources can remain anonymous.

ARREST or CHARGES: Possession of Child Pornography- 3 Counts
Felony Bail Jumping- 1 Count

Filed Under: News, Press Releases

One Vehicle Accident with Injuries

December 4, 2024 By Chief Deputy

WHEN: 12/1/2024
TIME of Incident: 8:49 AM

WHO Involved: Luis J. Juarez Martinez, 20, of Richland Center, WI
Rafael Juarez Martinez, 18, of Richland Center, WI
Mangel Diaz, 27, of Richland Center, WI

WHERE Incident Happened: One mile West of the intersection of State Hwy 56 and County Hwy A

What happened: On the morning of 12/01/2024 Richland County Deputies were dispatched to a 1 vehicle rollover accident in Forest Township on State Hwy 56. Deputies observed that a single vehicle traveling Westbound on State Hwy 56 left the roadway into the South ditch line before rolling and coming to rest on its roof. One passenger of the vehicle was ejected, the other two occupants were able to remove themselves from the vehicle and flag down a passing motorist for help prior to emergency personnel arriving on scene. All occupants of the vehicle were transported by Ambulance to the Richland Hospital for injuries.

Other Agencies Involved: Vernon County Sheriff’s Department, Viola EMS, Richland EMS, Richland Fire Department, Wegner Auto Service

Arrest or Charges: Under Investigation

Filed Under: News, Press Releases

Rollover Crash Results in Entrapment

December 2, 2024 By Chief Deputy

WHEN: 11/28/2024
TIME of Incident: 1:18 AM

WHO Involved: Joseph W Melchisedech, 35, of Viola, WI

WHERE Incident Happened: US Highway 14, .25 miles east of Town Line Rd.

What happened: On 11/28/2024 at approximately 01:18 am, Deputies responded to State Highway 14 just east of Town Line Rd, for a automated car crash 911 call with no contact made with the driver. Upon Deputies arrival, ten minutes after the initial call, a vehicle was observed on the north side of the road in the ditch, and was overturned on its side. Deputies identified a male party trapped under his vehicle as Joseph Melchisedech. Joseph was conscious, alert, and speaking to Deputies. The area was checked for other passengers, with none located. It was determined that the vehicle left the roadway and rolled two or three times before coming to a rest. The Richland County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Richland Fire Department and Viola EMS, as well as UW Med Flight. State Highway 14 was shutdown while first responders were on scene. Joseph was taken to UW Health by Med Flight for his injuries.

Other Agencies Involved: Viola EMS, Richland Fire, Wegner Auto Service, UW Med Flight

Arrest or Charges: Citations for Open Intoxicants, Suspended Registration, Failure to Maintain Control, and Failure to wear seatbelt.

Filed Under: News, Press Releases

Richland County Resident Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography

November 13, 2024 By Chief Deputy

WHEN: 11/13/2024
TIME of Incident: 8:44 AM

WHO Involved: Scott Warren Pfeil, 28, of Lone Rock, WI

WHERE Incident Happened: 29003 Richard Street, Lone Rock (Sextonville), WI 53556

What happened: Sheriff Clay Porter reports that the Richland County Sheriff’s Office was assigned a CyberTip as an affiliated member of the Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforce for reported possession of child pornography.

On November 13th, 2024, Deputies completed a search warrant as a result of this investigation. Deputies took into custody, Scott Warren Pfeil, 28 years old from Sextonville, for 10 counts of Possession of Child Pornography and one count of Felony Bail Jumping. At the time of the arrest of Scott Pfeil, he currently has a Diversion Agreement through Richland County for similar reported acts in 2021.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in this investigation by Wisconsin ICAC Taskforce, Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI)-Digital Evidence Unit (DEU), Richland Center Police Department, and Lone Rock EMS.

Sheriff Porter would like to remind all that if they wish to report crimes or drug information, they can contact Richland County Crime Stoppers at (608) 647-CLUE(2583) or submit a tip at p3tips.com. Those utilizing these resources can remain anonymous.

ARREST or CHARGES: Possession of Child Pornography- 10 Counts
Felony Bail Jumping- 1 Count

Filed Under: News, Press Releases

Fatal Car vs Deer Crash

October 21, 2024 By Chief Deputy

WHEN: 10/21/2024
TIME of Incident: 5:48 AM

WHO Involved: Carter M Heisz, 20, of Lone Rock, WI
Taiten R Rosenbaum, 19, Sauk City, WI

WHERE Incident Happened: State Highway 130 at Marble Quarry Road

What happened: On 10/21/2024 at approximately 5:48am, The Richland County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a 1 vehicle roll over crash on State HWY 130, North of County HWY T. Upon receiving the call, Deputies along with the Lone Rock Fire Department, Lone Rock EMS, Richland Center EMS, and UW Med Flight were requested to respond to the scene. Sauk County Sheriff’s Department was also requested to assist. It was reported to Richland County Dispatch that there were 2 parties injured in the crash, one of which was ejected from the vehicle. During the investigation of the scene and statements from the ejected passenger, Taiten Rosenbaum (19), it was found that the subject vehicle, operated by Carter Heisz (20), was traveling northbound on State HWY 130 when they struck a deer. This caused Heisz to loose control of the vehicle and enter the east ditch and overturn multiple times. Neither party was believed to be wearing a seatbelt. Rosenbaum was ejected from the vehicle and Heisz was entrapped in the vehicle. Heisz was pronounced deceased of scene by Richland County Coroner’s Office. Rosenbaum was transported to the Richland Hospital, then transferred to UW Hospital for believed non-life threatening injuries. Speed is believed to have been a factor in the crash.

Other Agencies Involved: Lone Rock EMS, Lone Rock Fire Department, Richland County EMS, Wegner Auto Service, UW Med Flight, Ithaca First Responders, Sauk County Sheriff’s Department and Richland County Coroners Office.

Filed Under: News, Press Releases

Two Injured in Head On Motor Vehicle Crash

October 16, 2024 By Chief Deputy

WHEN: 10/14/2024
TIME of Incident: 3:45 PM

WHO Involved: Kai Wang, 56, of Lake Forest, IL
Sabrina Rider, 46, Richland Center, WI

WHERE Incident Happened: US Highway 14 and Jay Lane

What happened: On October 14, 2024, at 3:45 PM, Richland County Dispatch received a report of a two-vehicle head-on crash with possible injuries at the intersection of US Highway 14 and Jay Lane. Deputies responded promptly to the scene, where the initial investigation revealed that Kai Wang was traveling westbound on US Highway 14 when he crossed over the center line into the eastbound lane.

Meanwhile, Sabrina Rider was driving eastbound on the same highway and spotted Wang’s vehicle in her lane. Unfortunately, both drivers were unable to avoid the impending collision and crashed head-on.

Sabrina required extrication from her vehicle by the Lone Rock Fire Department before being transported to Richland Hospital by Lone Rock EMS. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was later airlifted to UW Hospital via UW Med Flight for further treatment. Kai was also transported to Richland Hospital for his injuries by Richland County Ambulance.

Wegner Auto Service was called to the scene to remove both vehicles involved in the accident.

Other Agencies Involved: Lone Rock EMS, Lone Rock Fire Department, Richland County EMS, Wegner Auto Service, UW Med Flight

Arrest or Charges: Accident still under investigation

Filed Under: News, Press Releases

Traffic Stop Leads to Felony Drug Arrest

August 28, 2024 By Chief Deputy

WHEN: 08/24/2024
TIME of Incident: 10:30 PM

WHO Involved: Carlos Suarez Umanzor, 33, of Richland Center, WI

WHERE Incident Happened: KFC/Taco Bell

What happened: Sheriff Porter reports that on 8/24/2024, A Deputy of the Richland County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle due to an equipment violation. After the suspect vehicle came to a stop, the driver exited quickly and began walking around his vehicle. After the Deputy gave commands, he returned to the driver’s seat of his vehicle. An Officer of the Richland Center Police Department arrived on scene and deployed K9 Teddy. K9 Teddy alerted to an area near the suspect vehicle and located 3 baggies containing a white powdery substance that the driver had thrown from the vehicle after exiting. That powdery substance later tested positive for cocaine. The driver Carlos Suarez Umanzor was placed under arrest and faces felony and misdemeanor charges.

Sheriff Porter would like to remind all that if they wish to report crimes or drug information, they can contact Richland County Crime Stoppers at (608) 647-CLUE(2583) or submit a tip at p3tips.com. Those utilizing these resources can remain anonymous.

Other Agencies Involved: Richland Center Police Department

ARREST or CHARGES: Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine <5g; 961.41(1m)(cm)(1r)
Misdemeanor Bail Jumping; 946.49(1)(a)
Resisting or Obstructing an Officer; 946.41(2m)

Filed Under: K9, News, Press Releases

Motorcycle Crash Results in Death of Richland Center Man

August 26, 2024 By Chief Deputy

WHEN: 08/25/2024
TIME of Incident: 5:12 PM

WHO Involved: Joseph J. Palfrey, 35, of Richland Center, WI

WHERE Incident Happened: County Highway C, South of Yuba

What happened: On 08/25/2024, Richland County Dispatch received a 911 call of a motorcycle crash on County Hwy C just south of Yuba. Deputies and other emergency personnel arrived on scene and after further investigation, they were able to determine that the operator, Joseph Palfrey, 35 of Richland Center was traveling northbound on County Highway C when he hit a bump in the roadway, causing the motorcycle to lose control and eject Palfrey. Life saving measures were performed, but Palfrey was pronounced deceased on scene.

Other Agencies Involved: Yuba Fire Department, Yuba First Responders, Richland County EMS, UW Med Flight

Filed Under: Press Releases, News

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 7
  • Next Page »

Richland County Agencies

Richland Center Police Richland EMS
Richland Center Fire Richland EMS
Cazenovia EMS Nixle

General Information

Admistrative Offices:
Hours: 7:00am - 4:00pm
Phone: 608-647-8906

Dial 911 for Emergencies

Copyright © 2025 · Richland County Sheriff's Office · Richland County, Wisconsin · Webmaster