WHO Involved: Tara Weitzel, 46, of Richland Center, WI
Nicollette Wallace, 40, of Hillsboro, WI
Tanner Spoolstra, 26, of Brandon, WI

WHERE Incident Happened: USH 14 at the intersection of CTH O, Richland Center

What happened: Sheriff Clay Porter reports on 12/13/2024 at approximately 10:54 AM, a semi driven by T. Spoolstra was traveling east on USH 14 and failed to stop for a red light at the intersection of CTH O and USH 14. The Dodge Challenger driven by T. Weitzel and the Toyota Tacoma driven by N. Wallace were traveling parallel to each other on CTH O turning left to go west on USH 14 when the Semi failed to stop and crashed into both vehicles in the intersection. After impact the charger came to rest facing north, in the west bound lane on USH 14 and the Tacoma came to rest in the east bound lane facing east. The operators of the Challenger and Tacoma were transported to the Richland Hospital for apparent non-life threatening injuries. Richland County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by the Richland Center Police Department, Richland Center Fire Department, and multiple units from Richland EMS. Wegner’s Auto also assisted in the removal of all involved vehicles.

Other Agencies Involved: Richland Center Police Department, Richland EMS, Richland Fire Department, Wegner’s Auto Service

Arrest or Charges: None

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.

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

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

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.

WHO Involved: Henry J McMillian, 66, of Muscoda, WI
Sarah J Rice, 31, of Avoca, WI

WHERE Incident Happened: Willow Creek Road & State Hwy 58

What happened: On November 20, 2024, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of stolen aluminum cans from the Ithaca-Weston Wrestling Club’s donation drop-off area, located at the corner of Willow Creek Rd and State Hwy 58 in Ithaca Township. The theft occurred in the early morning hours, and the reporting party provided both photos of the suspects and the vehicle involved. Thanks to a quick and coordinated investigation with the Muscoda Police Department, the suspects were swiftly located. Henry McMillian, 66, of Muscoda, was arrested and transported to the Richland County Jail on charges of Theft and Felony Bail Jumping. Sarah Rice, 31, of Avoca, was also charged with Theft.

Sheriff Porter would like to stress the importance of installing security cameras as well as reporting suspicious activity.

Other Agencies Involved: Muscoda Police Department

ARREST or CHARGES: McMillian: Theft and Felony Bail Jumping
Rice: Theft

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

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.

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