Richland County Sheriff's Office

Traffic Stop Leads To Drug Arrest

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Richland County Sheriff Clay Porter reports that on 6-26-2022 the Sheriff’s Department received a tip that a vehicle was traveling through Richland County after possibly being involved in drug activity in the village of Readstown. A Deputy of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop for a traffic violation. The driver and passenger were subsequently identified as Anthony Bailey and Dajah Swift, respectively, both from the Madison area, and were each found to have a suspended driver’s license. The Richland Center Police Department’s K9 Teddy was deployed and alerted to the presence of an illegal controlled substance. During the subsequent search and investigation, Dajah Swift was found to be in possession of just over an ounce of methamphetamine. Swift was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver, while the driver, Bailey, was cited for Operating while Suspended and released. All charges will be forwarded to the Richland County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Sheriff Porter credited the alertness and thoroughness of the Deputy who made the traffic stop, and the law enforcement Officers who assisted in the investigation, for taking a significant amount of a powerful drug off the street.

In addition to the Richland Center Police Department, the Sheriff’s Department was also assisted on-scene by the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force, which is a multi-agency combined investigatory unit dedicated to combating local drug distribution. Sheriff Porter stated that it is the cooperation of law enforcement agencies that often makes these types of investigations successful and added that this investigation is a prime example.

Sheriff Porter also commented on the importance of citizen involvement in combating criminal activity and pointed out the fact that it was the tip from the concerned citizen that made this investigation and arrest possible. Sheriff Porter encourages any citizen who suspects criminal activity to notify law enforcement. Citizens may call the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at 608-647-2106, the Richland Center Police Department at 608-647-2103, or the Richland Area Crime Stoppers at 608-647-CLUE (2583). Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the P3 app at p3tips.com or by downloading the P3 app.

Two Injured In Three Vehicle Crash

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WHEN: 06/08/2022
TIME of Incident: 5:45 P.M.

WHO Involved: James Teach, 62 of Richland Center
Mary Alderman, 75 of Richland Center
Thomas Everson, 34 of Richland Center
Yvette Everson, 31 of Richland Center

WHERE Incident Happened: US Highway 14, East of Townline Road

What happened: Richland County Dispatch received a report of a two vehicle accident on US HWY 14. Responding Deputies arrived and observed three vehicles involved in the crash. Deputies assessed the scene and no severe or life threatening injuries were observed. According to the parties involved, witness statements, and evidence at the scene show that Thomas Everson and his family were driving east on US HWY 14 in their Dodge truck back to Richland Center when they started to approach James Teach attempting to make a left turn into a driveway from the westbound lane in his Mazda compact. When Thomas approached closer to James another westbound vehicle driven by Mary Alderman crashed into the rear of the Mazda pushing him into the eastbound lane crashing into the Dodges front drivers side tires causing the dodge to spin and slide into the westbound ditch. Mary continued a short distance pulling off the road to wait for emergency response. Thomas, Yvette, and their 2 young daughters were wearing their seat belts and proper child restraints and suffered no injuries. James was wearing his seatbelt and suffered a minor injury and was transported to the hospital for treatment. Mary was wearing her seatbelt and suffered a minor injury and was also transported to the hospital for treatment. After questioning the drivers the Deputies believe the accident was caused by unfortunate location, sun glare, and lack of stopping distance. No citations or actions by law enforcement will be taken.

Arrest or Charges: None

Other Agencies Involved: Wisconsin State Patrol, Viola EMS, Richland Fire, Wegner’s Towing

Francis Johnston Missing Since February 28th, 2022

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WHEN: 2/28/2022
 
TIME of Incident: 4:12PM
 
AGE: 60
 
Location:Boaz, Richland County
 

 

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is requesting assistance in locating Francis Johnston of the Boaz area. Francis went to an appointment in Viroqua on 02/28/2022 and has not returned home. Francis is driving a brown 1992 Cadillac and was possibly seen around 5pm on 02/28/2022 not far from home. Francis has not been seen or heard from since Monday. If Francis or his vehicle are located, please contact the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at 608-647-2106

Request for Squad Bids – 12/14/2021

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The Richland County Sheriff’s Department, under the authority of the Richland County Law Enforcement and Judiciary Committee, is currently accepting bids as described below to purchase two (2) police package squad vehicles:

Police Package Dodge Durango SUV 4 door AWD
Police Package Ford Explorer SUV 4 door AWD

Detailed Bid Specifications

Bids must be received by Thursday, January 13th, 2022 at 4:00p.m.

Bids will be accepted by U.S. Mail, email or hand delivery to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. If mailing or delivering bids, mark the envelope “Attention: Squad Bids”. Electronic bids should be sent to amber.muckler@co.richland.wi.us and put Squad Bids in the subject line.

If mailing bids, address to:
Richland County Sheriff’s Department
Attn: Squad bids
181 W. Seminary St.
Richland Center, WI. 53581

Requests can be made by calling 608-647-8906 ext. 3 or through email to Administrative Office Manager Amber Muckler at amber.muckler@co.richland.wi.us.

Bids will include all fees associated with the purchase. The bid you give will be a “drive away” figure and will include all dealer and licensing fees.

The vehicle will be delivered within 180 days of the order being placed.

Received bids will be reviewed by the Richland County Law Enforcement and Judiciary Committee. Richland County reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and will consider bids most advantageous to the county. Richland County reserves the right to accept or reject portions of bids. The County also reserves the right to reject all bids and consider purchase from the State of Wisconsin Cooperative Purchasing Program.

Authority: Sheriff Clay J. Porter
On behalf of the Richland County Law Enforcement and Judicial Committee

Speeding Turns Into OWI And Additional Charges

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WHEN: 08/05/2021
TIME of Incident: 08:30 P.M.

WHO Involved: Aleece Roh, 31, of Fitchburg, WI

WHERE Incident Happened: US Highway 14/County Highway KK

What happened: On 08/05/2021 at approximately 8:30pm a deputy initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle for speeding. The driver Aleece Roh had her three children in the car, ages 9, 6, and 4. Deputy could smell a strong odor of Marijuana coming from the vehicle and felt Aleece was impaired. Aleece showed signs of impairment during field sobriety testing and was arrested for OWI 2nd with passenger under the age of 16. During a search of the vehicle Deputy located 2 ounces of Marijuana, 1/4 ounce of Cocaine, and drug paraphernalia.

Arrest or Charges: Possession with intent to deliver Cocaine, Possession with intent to deliver THC, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, OWI 2nd with passenger under 16, Child Neglect.

Suspect Taken Into Custody After Threats Made Involving Handgun

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On February 14th, 2021 at 3:20pm Richland County Sheriff Deputies responded to Lone Rock where they met with a victim who reported that she had been in an argument with Michael Paulsen. The victim said that during the argument, Michael Paulsen pointed a handgun at her and said that he was going to kill her, the kids, and himself. The victim was able to get out of the residence with the kids and contact law enforcement. Michael Paulsen did not answer his door or phone when law enforcement attempted contact.

Law enforcement was later able to make phone contact with Michael Paulsen. The suspect agreed to exit his residence and was safely taken into custody.

Location of Incident: 531 W. Exchange Street, Lone Rock, WI

Who Involved: Michael A. Paulsen, 41, of Lone Rock, WI

Other Agencies Involved:

  • Richland County Special Response Team
  • Richland Center Police Department
  • Lone Rock EMS
  • Lone Rock Fire Department

Pending Charges:

  • 941.20(1) Endangering Safety By Use OF A Dangerous Weapon
  • 941.30(2) Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety
  • 947.01 Disorderly Conduct (Domestic Abuse Related)

Request for Squad Bids – 1/21/2021

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The Richland County Sheriff’s Department, under the authority of the Richland County Law Enforcement and Judiciary Committee, is currently accepting bids as described below to purchase two (2) police package squad vehicles:

Police Package RAM 1500 SSV CREW 4×4
Police Package Dodge Durango SUV 4 door AWD
Police Package Ford F-150 4 door 4×4 pick up
Police Package Ford Explorer SUV 4 door AWD

Detailed Bid Specifications

Bids must be received by Thursday, February 11th, 2021 at 4:00p.m.

Bids will be accepted by U.S. Mail, email or hand delivery to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. If mailing or delivering bids, mark the envelope “Attention: Squad Bids”. Electronic bids should be sent to amber.muckler@co.richland.wi.us and put Squad Bids in the subject line.

If mailing bids, address to:
Richland County Sheriff’s Department
Attn: Squad bids
181 W. Seminary St.
Richland Center, WI. 53581

Requests can be made by calling 608-647-8906 ext. 3 or through email to Administrative Office Manager Amber Muckler at amber.muckler@co.richland.wi.us.

Bids will include all fees associated with the purchase. The bid you give will be a “drive away” figure and will include all dealer and licensing fees.

The vehicle will be delivered within 90 days of the order being placed.

Received bids will be reviewed by the Richland County Law Enforcement and Judiciary Committee. Richland County reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and will consider bids most advantageous to the county. Richland County reserves the right to accept or reject portions of bids. The County also reserves the right to reject all bids and consider purchase from the State of Wisconsin Cooperative Purchasing Program.

Authority: Sheriff James J. Bindl
On behalf of the Richland County Law Enforcement and Judicial Committee

Two Vehicle Crash on Highway 56 Near Viola Results in Fatality

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On Monday 5/18/2020 at 9pm Richland County Dispatch received a 911 call of a 2 vehicle crash on US Hwy 56, 1/4 mile east of Viola. Sheriff’s Deputies, Viola Fire, Kickapoo Valley Rescue Squad and the Wisconsin State Patrol responded. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department with the assistance of the Wisconsin State Patrol is investigating the 2 vehicle crash which resulted in a fatality. Allen G Nemec, 37 of La Farge was pronounced dead at the scene by the Richland County Coroners Office.

Others involved: Clayton A Gatewood, 27 of Westby.

This crash is currently under investigation.

Free Naloxone (Narcan) Training

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The Partners for Prevention Coalition of Richland County is offering free naloxone (Narcan) training sessions for those interested in learning how to administer the medication properly. “Learn how to use the medication and what to do if you suspect someone is overdosing,” said Detective Jason Pilla of the Richland Center Police Department.

The easy 45-minute training will be held at three different times on Thursday, May 7th, at 10 am 1 pm and 5:30 pm.   Participants may attend the training with or without using their video. To log on to the Virtual Training, visit the following Facebook pages-Partners for Prevention of Richland County, Richland Center Police Department and Richland County Sheriff’s Department on the day and time of the session you wish to join. Each participant will receive a box of Narcan upon completion of the training.

The Partners for Prevention Coalition’s mission statement is to engage Richland County residents to prevent substance use by creating safe and healthy communities.  The coalition is part of the Richland County Children and Family Advocacy Council, a local non-profit organization dedicated to preventing childhood trauma and substance use.  Federal and state funding is being provided to support the training.  For more information, visit the Partners for Prevention Facebook page or call Betsy Roesler, Project Coordinator, at 647-6131.

Request for Squad Bids

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The Richland County Sheriff’s Department, under the authority of the Richland County Law Enforcement and Judiciary Committee, is currently accepting bids as described below to purchase four (4) police package squad vehicles and one (1) mini van:

Police Package Dodge Charger 4 door AWD
Police Package Dodge Durango SUV 4 door AWD
Police Package Ford F-150 4 door 4×4 pick up
Police Package Ford Explorer SUV 4 door AWD
Police Package Chevrolet Tahoe SUV 4 door 4×4
Mini Van, 3 row seating, with dual side doors

Detailed Bid Specifications

Bids must be received by Friday, March 6th, 2020 at 4:00p.m.   Bids will be accepted by U.S. Mail, email or hand delivery to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Electronic bids should be sent to amber.muckler@co.richland.wi.us and put Squad Bids in the subject line.

If mailing bids, address to:
Richland County Sheriff’s Department
Attn: Squad bids
181 W. Seminary St.
Richland Center, WI. 53581

Requests can be made by calling 608-647-8906 ext. 3 or through email to Administrative Office Manager Amber Muckler at amber.muckler@co.richland.wi.us.

Bids will include all fees associated with the purchase. The bid you give will be a “drive away” figure and will include all dealer and licensing fees.

The vehicle will be delivered within 90 days of the order being placed.

Received bids will be reviewed by the Richland County Law Enforcement and Judiciary Committee. Richland County reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and will consider bids most advantageous to the county. Richland County reserves the right to accept or reject portions of bids. The County also reserves the right to reject all bids and consider purchase from the State of Wisconsin Cooperative Purchasing Program.

Authority: Sheriff James J. Bindl
On behalf of the Richland County Law Enforcement and Judicial Committee