Richland County Sheriff's Office

Crash Results in OWI and Drug Arrest

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WHEN: 12/14/2022
TIME of Incident: 5:11 P.M.

WHO Involved: Brittany Koproski, 33, of Mosinee WI

WHERE Incident Happened: State Highway 60 Near Riverview Ridge Drive

Sheriff Clay Porter reports that on 12/14/2022, Richland County Deputies responded to a single vehicle crash on State Hwy 60. The reporting parties advised the female driver and only occupant of the vehicle exited the vehicle after crashing in to the woods and fled on foot. Deputies located the vehicle near Riverview Ridge Drive. Muscoda Fire and EMS where requested and the Richland Center Police Department arrived on scene to assist. Richland Center Police K9 Teddy was deployed to track the suspect that fled the scene. With K9 Teddy’s assistance the driver, Brittany Koprowski, was located hiding in the woods. Deputies observed signs that Brittany was possibly under the influence of drugs. Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia where later located in the vehicle. Brittany was transported to the Hospital and later arrested for numerous drug related charges. All charges were forwarded to the Richland County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

AGENCIES Involved: Richland Center Police Department, Muscoda Fire Department, and Muscoda EMS

ARREST or CHARGES:OWI 1ST, FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL 2ND OFFENSE, UNREASONABLE AND IMPRUDENT SPEED 2ND OFFENSE, POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE, RESISTING/OBSTRUCTING AN OFFICER

Traffic Stop Leads to Three Drug Arrest’s

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WHEN: 10/16/2022
TIME of Incident: 5:39 P.M.

WHO Involved: Joseph R. Fendler, 32, of Reedsburg
Kendall A. Preuss, 28, of Jefferson
Keisha M. Vasquez, 33, of New Lisbon

WHERE Incident Happened: US Highway 14 at Simpson Implement

What happened: On 10/16/2022 at 5:39pm, a traffic stop was conducted on US HWY 14 near Simpson’s Implement. During the investigation, deputies learned that all 3 occupants had Revoked driver’s license. Kendall Preuss was arrested for Operating a Motor vehicle after Revocation. Deputies requested the Richland Center Police Department K9, Teddy, who was deployed and alerted to the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle by Deputies and the Richland Center Police Department 202.3 grams(0.45 lbs) of a white crystalline substance was located in 6 different baggies that later tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine. Also located was one digital scale, multiple smoking devices, multiple small baggies, approximately $688.00 in cash, and a baggie of 11 suspected Oxycodone pills. Joseph is also out on one misdemeanor bond through Sauk County. Keisha is out on one misdemeanor bond through Juneau County and one through Sauk County. Kendall is out on one felony bond through Columbia County and one through Marquette County. Keisha and Joseph are on active Probation through the State of Wisconsin for similar charges. Keisha was arrested for Misdemeanor Bail Jumping and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Joseph was arrested for Possession w/ Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine >50g, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession Schedule II Narcotic and Misdemeanor Bail Jumping. Kendall was arrested for Felony Bail Jumping, Operate Motor vehicle after Revocation, Possession Drug Paraphernalia, Obstructing an Officer, and Possession w/ Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine 10-50g. After Kendall was removed from a squad car a digital scale with a crystalline residue was located on the floor.

Arrest or Charges: Misdemeanor & Felony Bail Jumping, Obstructing Police, Operate Motor vehicle after Revocation, Possession w/ Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine 10-50 g, Possession w/ Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine >50 g, Possession of Schedule II Narcotic, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Other Agencies Involved: Richland Center Police Department

Richland Center Police Department Press Release

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Richland Center Police Chief Billy Jones reports that a local man has been taken into custody after making a concerning post on social media.  Chief Jones explained that law enforcement was recently made aware of a social media post that appeared to be an attempt to organize an unlawful assembly and looting of an area business.  Law enforcement responded with an increased presence in the area and the business took special measures to ensure the safety of its employees and the building.  No disturbance ended up transpiring, although some parties did show up claiming to be there just to watch what was going to happen.  Ultimately those parties left the area without incident. As a result of the subsequent investigation, a 17 year old was taken into custody for Unlawful Use of a Computerized Communication Systems, a class B misdemeanor.

Chief Jones stated that, although the comments made on social media were relatively vague, the Richland Center Police Department takes any such comments as serious potential threats to the public’s safety and property, especially in light of the current heightened tensions across the country.  Jones added that this person’s comments not only cost the taxpayers due to the needed increase in police presence, they also cost the business  who took measures to further secure their building, and its employees who were sent home for their own safety.

Chief Jones also noted that the Richland Center Police Department was aided greatly in this investigation by several area citizens who called and made the Police Department aware of the situation.  Chief Jones stated that the vigilance of these citizens allowed the Police Department to be proactive and prevent a dangerous situation from starting.

Any citizen who has information concerning any illegal activity is encouraged to call the Richland Center Police Department at 608-647-2103 or the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at 608-647-2016.  Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Richland Area Crime Stoppers at 647-CLUE (2583) and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Richland Center Man and Woman Arrested on various Drug Related Charges

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Chief Billy Jones of the Richland Center Police Department reports that an investigation conducted by the Richland Center Police Department has culminated in the arrest of a Richland Center man and woman for various drug related charges.

Chief Jones stated that on 3-29-2020, Officers from the Richland Center Police Department, with the assistance of the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force and the Richland County Special Response Team, executed a Search Warrant at an apartment in the City of Richland Center. During the search of the apartment, heroin, Suboxone, various items of drug paraphernalia, and a small amount of methamphetamine were located. As a result of the subsequent investigation the following people were taken into custody:

Harry J. Hale, 26, and Rebecca L. Dailey, 25, were arrested on the tentative charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Narcotic Drugs, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The case has been forwarded to the Richland County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

The Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force is a Tri-County combined investigative unit. Locally, members from the Richland Center Police Department and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department are assigned to the Drug Task Force to investigate and combat area drug trafficking and abuse.

Chief Jones stated that highly addictive substances, such as Heroin and Methamphetamine, continues to be a focus of the Drug Task Force as it has continued to be an increasing problem in the area, which has seen an increase in narcotic overdoses, some even resulting in death. Chief Jones added that narcotic and methamphetamine distribution and/or usage has also been shown to be a major contributing factor to numerous other crimes against persons and property.

In addition to the Drug Task Force and Special Response Team, the Richland Center Police Department was assisted in this investigation by the Richland County Sherriff’s Department, Richland County EMS, and the Richland County District Attorney’s Office.

Chief Jones would like to remind citizens to report any suspicious activity by notifying law enforcement. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Richland Area Crime Stoppers at 647-2583 and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Sex Offender Bulletin

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City of Richland Center Police Department
SEX OFFENDER INFORMATION BULLETIN
December 17, 2019

Area Residents:

The Richland Center Police Department is releasing the following information pursuant to Wisconsin State Statute 301.46(2m) which authorizes law enforcement agencies to inform the public of a sex offender’s release when, in the discretion of the agency, the release of information will enhance public safety, awareness and protection.

The individual who appears on this notification has been convicted of a sex offense that requires registration with the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registration Program (SORP). Further, this individual’s previous history places him in a classification level that reflects the potential to re-offend.

This sex offender has served the prison sentence imposed on him by the courts. THIS PERSON IS NOT WANTED BY POLICE. This notification is not intended to increase fear; rather, it is our belief that an informed public is a safer public.

Sex offenders have always lived in our communities, but it was not until the Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Law was enacted, that law enforcement was able to share this information with the community.

Citizen abuse of this information to threaten, intimidate or harass registered sex offenders will not be tolerated.

Curtis A. Salisbury moved into 641 E. Burton Street, Apt. B in the City of Richland Center, on December 6, 2019.  He is under the supervision of the Richland Center Office of Probation/Parole (608)647-4848.

EMPLOYMENT:

Employment will be approved by the Department of Corrections.

SUPERVISION PLAN:

  1. No unsupervised contact with minors.
  2. No taverns/bars/liquor stores. Not to consume alcohol or drugs.
  3. Comply with standard sex offender rules.
  4. Comply with any recommended treatment.
  5. Comply with lifetime registration with the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registration Program.
  6. Comply with electronic monitoring.

 Agency Contacts:

Richland Center Office of Probation/Parole
Agent: Reyna Vasquez (608)647-4848.
Richland Center Police Department (608) 647-2103.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

To learn more about the Sex Offender Registration Program in the State of Wisconsin, or to obtain information on other registered sex offenders living in the Richland Center area, please visit the sex offender registration website at http://offender.doc.state.wi.us/public/.

To obtain information on anyone under supervision please visit the State of Wisconsin, Department of Corrections website at http://doc.wi.gov/Home.

*This bulletin was prepared by the Richland County Sex Offender Registration Notification Team.

Alternate Side Parking 2019

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RICHLAND CENTER POLICE DEPARTMENT

Press Release
November 29, 2019

The City of Richland Center wants to remind residents that Alternate Side Parking began on Sunday December 1st, this is a change from previous years, and will run through February 28, 2020. Persons parking vehicles on city streets are required to abide by Alternate Side Parking regulations EACH NIGHT between December 1st and February 28, 2020.

Alternate Side Parking enforcement will take place randomly throughout the week in addition to when the city receives an accumulation of snow and/or ice. Alternate Side Parking will be enforced between the hours of 12:01 AM and 7:00 AM.

Alternate Side Parking requires vehicles to be parked on the odd numbered side of the street on odd numbered dates and the even numbered side of the street on even numbered dates. Residents need to remember that the date during the overnight hours of 12:01 am to 7:00 am determines odd or even side parking. Owners of vehicles in violation of Alternate Side Parking regulations will be subject to a $10.00 parking ticket.

During a period of unusually severe winter weather, the city may declare a Snow Removal Emergency. During a Snow Removal Emergency, parking is prohibited on all city streets and highways. Residents would be required to find off-street parking for up to 72 hours or until snow-removal operations are declared completed by the Public Works Superintendent. Violations of a Snow Removal Emergency will result in a $15.00 ticket.

In addition to tuning into WRCO, the City of Richland Center urges residents to sign up for Nixle alerts to keep up to date on local information including declared Snow Emergencies. You can sign up at www.nixle.com. Make sure to sign up for all alerts, advisories and community messages under the Richland County Emergency Management account. The service is free and you can choose to receive e-mail and/or text message alerts. City Residents using Facebook can also keep up to date on declared Snow Emergencies by following the Richland County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page where declared Snow Emergencies will be posted.

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Jefferson, WI Man Arrested On Multiple Charges

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Lt. Billy Jones reports that a Jefferson, Wisconsin, man was taken into custody after a report of a man with a gun and a home invasion which was followed by a brief chase on Wednesday afternoon.

Shane P. Harsha, 49 years old, was arrested on tentative charges of Fleeing and Eluding an Officer, Armed with a Firearm While Intoxicated, Criminal Trespass, and Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety. Shane Harsha was also cited for Operating While Intoxicated First Offense, Operating Without a Valid Motorcycle Endorsement, and Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign.

Lt. Jones stated that the investigation began with the report of a male subject pointing a handgun at another person who was backing out of their driveway in their vehicle in the City of Richland Center. The driver of the vehicle informed police that he thought he was being “carjacked”.

A short time later, police received a call of a home invasion in which a male had forced his way into the home, confronted a resident, and then left the home on a motorcycle. The description of the male involved in the home invasion matched that of the suspect involved in the believed to be “carjacking”.

After a brief search, the motorcycle and suspect were located by responding Richland Center Police Department Officers and Richland County Sheriff’s Department Deputies. Once located, the suspect and motorcycle attempted to elude law enforcement through the north end of the City of Richland Center at excessive speeds. When the pursuit concluded, the operator was identified as Shane P. Harsha who was found to be in possession of a handgun. Ultimately Shane Harsha was taken into custody without further incident.

Shane Harsha is currently incarcerated at the Richland County Jail. All charges have been forwarded to the Richland County District Attorney’s office.

Lt. Billy Jones commented that the timely call from citizens, coupled with the rapid response of the officers and deputies involved, led to the quick and safe apprehension of Shane Harsha.

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Skimmers Found at Local Gas Stations

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Lt. Billy Jones, of the Richland Center Police Department, reports that there have been multiple card skimmers located in the City of Richland Center at multiple gas stations. Officers of the Richland Center Police Department were notified on Monday afternoon, 9-16-2019, of possible tampering to multiple gas pumps at the Mobil West Station and TKS. Officers were not able to determine the length of time the skimmers have been in the pumps.  If you have purchased gas from the pump using your credit or debit card at either of these gas stations, Lt. Billy Jones encourages you to watch your accounts and report any fraudulent activity to your local Law Enforcement.

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Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest

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Lt. Billy Jones of the Richland Center Police Department reports that a Richland Center man was arrested over the weekend on drug related charges.

Stuart Boe, 63, was arrested and tentatively charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Deliver and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The investigation began when Boe was stopped for a driver’s license violation and the assistance of a K9 unit was requested.  K9 Rambo, of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, was deployed and indicated the presence of controlled substances to be in Boe’s vehicle.  During the subsequent search of Boe’s vehicle, numerous baggies of suspected marijuana were located along with a couple items of suspected drug paraphernalia.  In addition, $1280 of US currency was located on Boe’s person during the arrest.

In addition to the Sheriff’s Department, the Police Department was assisted on-scene by members of the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force.   All charges have been forwarded to the Richland County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Lt. Jones commented that this investigation was the result of the thoroughness of the Officer who made the initial traffic stop and the assistance of K9 Rambo.  Lt. Jones added that the Officer’s decision to request the K9 unit was, in part, due to tips that law enforcement has received concerning Boe’s suspected involvement in illegal drug activity.  Lt. Jones stated that this is another example of how citizens’ information can assist law enforcement in achieving the goal of reducing the amount of drugs and crime in our community.

Any citizen who has information concerning any illegal activity is encouraged to call the Richland Center Police Department at 608-647-2103 or the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at 608-647-2016.  Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Richland Area Crime Stoppers at 647-CLUE (2583) and may be eligible for a cash reward.

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Education and Safety Day

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Education and Safety Day is presented by:

Richland Center Fire Department
Richland County Ambulance
Richland Center Police Department
Scouts BSA Troop 81

In cooperation with Julie Cairns State Farm Agency, and hosted by the Richland Center School District

When: Thursday, August 8, 2019
Time: 10:30am until 11:30am
Where: Jefferson Elementary School Playground, 586 North Main Street, Richland Center, WI
Ages: 5-18

Children not enrolled in the Summer School Program must be accompanied by an adult.

Topics Include: Water Safety, Basic First Aid, Vehicle & Pedestrian Safety, and Bicycle Safety including Bicycle Maintenance Stations

Safety Day Flyer