Richland County Sheriff's Office

Attempted Theft of a Boat from Vetesnik Power Sports

By

On March 27, 2017, deputies responded to a call of suspicious activity near Vetesnik Power Sports. Upon arrival, deputies located a boat and trailer blocking the roadway on Sawmill Road off of US Hwy 14. Deputies located a vehicle parked nearby registered to Westphal. K9 Rambo was deployed and the area was searched. Westphal was located at a nearby business and arrested for felony theft, obstructin and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, second offense. Deputies were assisted on scene by the Richland Center Police Department.

WHEN: 3/27/2017          TIME of Incident: 9:14 PM

ARRESTED: Michael W Westphal, 32 of Blue River, WI

ARREST or CHARGES: 943.20 (3)(C) Felony Theft Over $10,000, 946.41 Obstructing an Officer, 346.63(1)(A) Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated, 2nd Offense

Other Agencies Involved: Richland Center Police Department

Richland County Law Enforcement Agencies Investigating Fraud Complaints

By

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Richland Center Police Department report that the two departments are investigating multiple fraud complaints involving identity theft and debit card fraud.
It appears that debit card numbers along with pin numbers have been compromised when the cards were used at area businesses recently.  Fraudulent purchases and withdrawals have been reported by local residents.

Law Enforcement recommends you monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious account activity to your financial institution and your local law enforcement. Law Enforcement also recommends when using your debit card, take care to shield your PIN number.

Authorities Working to Identify 2 Men in Richland County Fraud Case

By

On March 25, 2017 the Richland County Sheriff’s Department took a fraud complaint from a party in Richland County. The reporting party advised that her debit card was used to make fraudulent purchases at seven different Wal-Mart stores.  The incident happened on March 24, 2017 for approximately $850 dollars. Purchases were made from the Sun Prairie, Madison West & East, Stoughton, Baraboo and Lake Delton Wal-Mart stores. Law enforcement was able to get photos of two suspect parties and their vehicle. Both suspect parties are male Hispanics in their late 20’s and early 30’s. The suspect vehicle is a newer white Hummer with unknown plate.

If you are able to identify either suspect party or have other information regarding this complaint please contact the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at 608-647-2106.

Sting Operation Results in Arrest of 21 Year Old

By

Officers of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and Richland Center Police Department arrested a subject after an investigation revealed solicitation to have sex with a minor using electronic devices or a computer.

On March 6, 2017, law enforcement arrested Drew Sackmann of rural Hillpoint after an investigation revealed Sackmann was attempting to solicit sexual acts from a minor through electronic devices. Officer’s learned of Sackmann’s previous attempts to contact a minor, officers posed as the underage female where further contact was made by Sackmann. During that investigation, Sackmann made requests for sexual acts and sent inappropriate pictures while believing he was speaking to the minor. A meeting was set up by the investigating officer at Krouskop Park in Richland Center in which Sackmann believed the minor would meet him. Upon arrival, Sackmann was arrested by officers without incident. Officers were able to recover further evidence of the crime at the scene. Sackmann was transported to the Richland County Jail where he is awaiting a future court appearance.

WHEN:  03/06/2017    TIME of Incident:  7:05 PM

ARRESTED: Drew C. Sackmann of Hillpoint, WI

Other Agencies Involved: Richland Center Police Department

ARREST or CHARGES: Child Enticement (948.07), Use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime ( 948.075 (1r)), Exposing a child to harmful material ( 948.11 (2a))

February 2017 Request For Squad Car Bids

By

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department, under the authority of the Richland County Law Enforcement and Judiciary Committee, is currently accepting bids for the purchase of  one (1) Police Package 2016 Non-Retail Ford Interceptor SUV Police Patrol Vehicle, to be delivered within 90 days of the order being placed.

Bids must be received by Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at 4:00p.m.   Bids will be accepted by U.S. Mail or hand delivery to the Sheriff’s Department.

If mailing bids, address to:
Squad Car Bids
c/o Chief Deputy Chad Kanable
Richland County Sheriff’s Department
181 W. Seminary St., Richland Center, WI.  53581

Detailed bid specifications: Available by contacting  Amber Muckler at 608-647-8906 or through email at amber.muckler@co.richland.wi.us

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

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 (State Bid).

Authority: Sheriff James J. Bindl

On behalf of the Richland County Law Enforcement and Judicial Committee

Arrest made in Burglary of the Bat Cave Saloon

By

On Monday January 23rd 2017 at approximately 1:05am, forced entry was made into the Bat Cave Saloon in Gotham.  A male subject entered the building and took an undisclosed amount of cash from the saloon.  During the investigation of the burglary, pictures of the subject in the saloon were placed on the Sheriff’s Department Facebook Page.  The Sheriff’s Department received several tips from the community resulting in an arrest.  On Wednesday January 25th at approximately 9:59pm, deputies made contact with Joshua Crook.  After speaking with Crook, he was arrested in connection to the burglary.

Who Involved: Joshua D Crook, 26, of Gotham, WI

Arrest or Charges: 943.10 (1m)(a) Burglary, 943.01 (1) Damage to Property

Other Agencies Involved: Richland County Crime Stoppers, and the Richland Center Police Department

Drug Warrant Executed in Lone Rock

By

On January 9, 2017, The Richland County Special Response Team, along with members of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Richland Center Police Department and the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force, executed a search warrant on a residence in the Village of Lone Rock after a drug investigation.  The residence was located on the 400 block of E Union Street in the Village of Lone Rock. Three parties were arrested on drug charges.  Law enforcement was assisted by the Richland County District Attorney’s office along with Richland County Child Protective Services.

Arrest or Charges:

Tyler S Fashun, 22 of Lone Rock- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II Narcotic, Maintaining a Drug Trafficking place

Allen L Gholson, 36 of Lone Rock- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place

Brettlyn Harvell, 19 of Lone Rock- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place

Incident at D&Z’s One Stop

By Leave a Comment

John Overshiner

John Overshiner

On Monday, January 9th, at 5:37am Richland County 911 received a call of a disturbance at D&Z’s One Stop in the Village of Lone Rock.  When Deputies arrived they discovered a male subject being held on the ground by two males and the clerk had been injured.  According to authorities, John P. Overshiner III of Fitchburg entered the store at around 5:37am and was reported as seeming “out of his head”.  Only the clerk and two delivery drivers were in the store at the time.  Overshiner ran behind the counter and physically grabbed the clerk on duty, identified as Melodie Wells of Lone Rock.  Overshiner wrestled her to the ground, causing minor injuries.  The two delivery drivers grabbed Overshiner and removed him from the clerk, holding him on the ground until deputies arrived.  Overshiner resisted deputies, breaking a body camera while struggling before he was taken into custody.  Melodie Wells was checked at the Richland hospital for minor injuries.  Lone Rock EMS assisted at the scene.  At this time the investigation continues.

Who Involved: John P Overshiner III, 29 of Fitchburg

Charges: Disorderly conduct, battery criminal damage to property and resisting arrest.

Other Agencies Involved: Richland County Sheriff’s Department and Lone Rock EMS

RCPD – Recent Burglaries within the City

By Leave a Comment

Chief of Police Lucas Clements reports that the police department is investigating two burglaries which occurred in the downtown area over the past month. According to Chief Clements, the Hunter’s Outlet, located at 182 N. Main St. was entered December 17th at approximately 9:00 p.m. and again on December 19th at approximately 1:15 a.m., with handguns taken each time.

Clements states that significant physical force was used to gain entry during the burglaries. The police department is encouraging area businesses to be extra vigilant with physical security, especially in their closing and opening procedures.

The police department is asking the public for their help in solving these crimes. If someone has information about these crimes, or observes suspicious activity, they are encouraged to contact the Richland Center Police Department at 647-2103 or Richland Area Crime Stoppers at 647-CLUE (2583). Callers to the Crime Stoppers line may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign

By Leave a Comment

Alcohol-related crashes killed 190 people in Wisconsin last year. We’re trying to save lives and prevent injuries. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is participating in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” national enforcement campaign from December 15 to January 1.

Before you go out, make plans to get home safely. The WisDOT has a free “Zero In Wisconsin Drive Sober” mobile app. This app includes a find-a-ride feature that uses a smart phone’s GPS system to locate alternative transportation, a blood alcohol estimator, designated driver selector, and interactive games to help determine whether someone should give up their car keys.