Richland County Sheriff James Bindl is alerting local citizens that his department is again receiving calls regarding phone scams and fraud complaints.

In the latest complaints received by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, victims receive a phone call from a party claiming to be a grandson stating that he is in jail and needs money to be released. The victim is then connected to a person claiming to be the officer in charge or attorney to provide details on how to pay the bond for their grandson’s release. Victims to these scams have stated that the party on the phone does sound like their grandchildren and will even use their grandchild’s name when they call. In some cases the scammer will ask the victim to go put money on a pre-paid gift card and then send them the card number.

Sheriff Bindl said that if you receive a similar phone call to check with your family members on their personal phone. Sheriff Bindl is asking all citizens to use caution with any suspicious phone call that you receive. If you have any questions about a possible scam feel free to contact the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

Authority: Sheriff James J. Bindl

Richland County deputies were dispatched to a report of a theft in progress at a residence on HWY 80 in Eagle Township.  Upon arrival at the scene deputies had found that caretakers at the property had found two male subjects attempting to load a John Deere Gator onto an U-Haul trailer.  Upon further investigation it was found that entry had been made into the residence and items were missing and located in Sugdens vehicle. Andrew Sugden was arrested at the scene.  The vehicle and trailer used at the scene were also suspect in a gas drive off from the City of Richland Center earlier in the morning.  During the investigation it was found that the U-Haul trailer was stolen from the village of Muscoda. The case is still under investigation.

Who Involved: Andrew L Sugden, 27 of Cuba City  |  James R Miller, 29 of Cazenovia

WHEN: 6/10/2017          TIME of Incident: 9:18 AM

ARREST or CHARGES: Andrew Sugden was booked into the Richland County Jail with charges of burglary, attempted felony theft, misdemeanor theft, obstructing an officer and 6 counts of bail jumping.

Other Agencies Involved: Richland Center Police Department, Muscoda Police Department

On 06/03/2017 at approximately 11:53 AM the Richland County Sheriff’s Department received a call of a semi-truck crash on US Hwy 14 West with possible injuries. When Law Enforcement Officers arrived, it was discovered the eastbound lane was also blocked. Upon investigation deputies determined that the semi tanker unit, owned by Barth Trucking, was eastbound and had left the roadway into the south ditch line. It continued east bound while in the ditch for approximately 800 feet, went over top of a driveway and came to rest with the semi-tractor on US Hwy 14 blocking the east bound lane of traffic. The semi driver, Ernest Hass age 70 of Cashton, had a possible arm injury and was transported by Richland County EMS to the Richland Hospital. The east bound lane of US Hwy 14 was closed for a short period of time to allow emergency personnel to clear the scene.

The Sheriff’s Department was assisted at the scene by Richland County EMS, Boaz First Responders and the Richland Center Fire Department.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department received a call at 7:41 PM of a missing person. The caller said Steve O. Jones, age 61 of Cazenovia, had been gone since earlier in the morning, and family had searched the area and had not located him. Also missing was a Ford 900 tractor. Unsure of direction of travel or where he would be. It wasn’t like him to not leave word where he was going to be. Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the area. Family and friends continued to check the property while deputies broadened the search area. A call was placed for an airplane from the State to respond with night vision capabilities. At around 12:11 AM, with the help of neighbors, deputies located the Ford 900 tractor rolled over in a deep ditch along Cty NN, .4 of a mile south of Spencer Hill Rd. The tractor had rolled over and pinned Steve Jones under the unit. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined. A Richland County Coroner pronounced Jones dead at the scene. The Sheriff’s Department was also assisted at the scene by the Richland Center Fire Department.

At 8:01am on Monday June 5, The Richland County Sheriff’s Department 911 Center received a report of a 2 vehicle head on crash on Co Hwy N just east of Smurf Ln. in Ithaca Township.  A 2001 Chevrolet Impala operated by Chad Lovelace of Milton, WI was traveling eastbound on County N and entering a curve when a 2009 Pontiac car driven by Jennifer VonBehren of Hillpoint entered the same curve traveling westbound.  VonBehren crossed over the center line and struck the Lovelace vehicle in the front drivers area.  Both vehicles came to rest on the north side of the roadway.  Richland County EMS, Ithaca First Responders and the Richland Center Fire Department responded to the scene.   Jennifer VonBehren was injured but declined medical transport.  A juvenile passenger in her vehicle was not injured, and no injury was reported to Chad Lovelace.   Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

WHEN: 6/5/2017          TIME of Incident: 8:01 AM

ARREST or CHARGES: VonBehren was cited for operating left of center, and no insurance.  |  Lovelace was cited for operating after suspension, no insurance and was arrested for an outstanding warrant from the WI Dept of Corrections.

Other Agencies Involved: Richland County EMS, Ithaca First Responders and the Richland Center Fire Department