Richland County Sheriff's Office

Search Warrant Leads to Drug Charges

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The Richland County Sheriff reports that on September 10th, 2016 a search warrant was executed at the residence at 18677 STH 60 in Eagle Township. During the search warrant various articles were found which law enforcement recognized as evidence that a “one-pot” style methamphetamine lab had been operational in, or around, the residence. As a result of the subsequent investigation, the following subjects were taken into custody on numerous tentative charges.

Robert J.E. Schoener, 26, of Eagle Township was arrested on the tentative charges of Manufacture/Deliver Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine, Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place, two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and misdemeanor Bail Jumping.

Stephen J. Szuflita, 40, of Eagle Township was arrested on the tentative charges of Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting/Obstructing an Officer, and multiple counts of felony Bail Jumping.

Regina M. Heather, 42, of Richland Center was arrested on the tentative charges of Resisting/Obstructing an Officer and felony Bail Jumping.

Bruce Travis, 34 of Orion, was arrested on tentative charges of Resisting/Obstructing an Officer and a probation violation.

The investigation has been forwarded to the Richland County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of formal charges against the above parties.

Assisting the Richland County Sheriff’s Department in the investigation were members from the Richland Center Police Department, the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force, the WI Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Richland County District Attorney’s Office. The Muscoda Fire Department, and Muscoda EMS assisted at the scene.

Sheriff Jim Bindl stated that this is another example that methamphetamine use continues to be a problem in our community. Sheriff Bindl added that the manufacturing of methamphetamine is an extremely dangerous process that creates a large amount of waste, all of which is hazardous material. The public is encouraged to contact law enforcement immediately if suspected methamphetamine, or anything that was used to manufacture it, is discovered. At no point should any of this material be handled without specialized equipment.

Online resources, such as www.methproject.org, are available for anyone interested in learning more about the dangers and signs of methamphetamine manufacturing and use. Anyone with information on drug, or any criminal activity, can call the Richland Area Crime Stoppers at 647-CLUE (2583). Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Richland Center Man Arrested for Drug Delivery Charges

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Harrison E. Schwichtenberg

Harrison E. Schwichtenberg

Chief Lucas Clements of the Richland Center Police Department reports that a Richland Center man has been arrested for a drug delivery charge as a result of an investigation into a near fatal overdose that occurred at a residence in Richland Center late last week.

Harrison E. Schwichtenberg, 25, of Richland Center has been arrested and tentatively charged with Delivery of a Schedule IV drug, a Class H Felony.

Chief Clements stated the investigation, which was conducted by officers from the Richland Center Police Department and the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force, discovered that the victim had purchased the prescription pills from Schwichtenberg, which ultimately led to the near fatal overdose.

Chief Clements commented that, not only is this case a prime example of the dangers associated with illegal prescription pill distribution and abuse, it is also an example of local law enforcement’s dedication to investigate these cases to the fullest extent.  Chief Clements added that, because of the danger it presents to the community, combating illegal prescription pill diversion has been, and will continue to be, a priority of the Richland Center Police Department and Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force.

At the time of Schwichtenberg’s arrest he was out on bond for a previous arrest for manufacture/delivery of non-narcotics and possession of a controlled substance. As a result, Schwichtenberg may also potentially be facing various bail jumping charges.  This case has been referred to the Richland County District Attorney’s Office for formal charges to be filed.

Chief Clements advised that citizen assistance is paramount in combating the distribution of drugs within our community.  Anyone witnessing suspected drug activity in the city is encouraged to contact the Richland Center Police Department at 608-647-2103 or Richland County Crime Stoppers at 647-CLUE (2583), where callers may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.

Arrest Warrants Result in Numerous Felony Drug Crimes

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Chief Lucas Clements of the Richland Center Police Department reports that on January 27th, members of the Richland County Special Response Team along with local members of the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force conducted an arrest warrant operation in the City of Richland Center. As a result of that operation, two Richland Center residents were arrested for numerous felony drug crimes. The operation was the culmination of a drug investigation by local members of the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force.

Stephen J. Szuflita, 40, was arrested and tentatively charged for Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place (4 counts), Manufacture/Deliver Schedule II Drugs, Manufacture/Deliver Schedule IV Drugs (2 counts), Manufacture/Deliver THC (3 counts), Possession of THC, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Bail Jumping.

Regina M. Heather, 42, was arrested and tentatively charged for Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place (3 counts), Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

All charges have been forwarded to Richland County District Attorney Jennifer Harper for prosecution.

The Richland County Special Response Team is a combined tactical unit consisting of officers from the Richland Center Police Department and deputies from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

Also assisting with the investigation were Richland County Health and Human Services and Richland County EMS.

Chief Clements would like to point out the effort of the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force members in regards to this investigation. Chief Clements notes the results of this investigation show the reality of what law enforcement faces daily, whether on patrol or working a drug investigation, specifically polydrug use and abuse.

Polydrug use is the use of two or more drugs in combination with one another. Polydrug use has led to increasing health concerns including potentially fatal overdoses. The arrests in this investigation take this “one stop shop” for drug users out of the equation in our community.

Chief Clements along with Richland County Sheriff James J. Bindl 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-CLUE (2583) and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Richland Center Police Department

Richland Center Woman Arrested for the Distribution of Heroin

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Ashley A DurstChief Lucas Clements of the Richland Center Police Department along with Sheriff James J. Bindl of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department report that an investigation conducted by the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force has culminated in the arrest of a Richland Center woman for the distribution of heroin. Ashley A. Durst, 29, was arrested for one count of Delivery of Heroin, which occurred in the City of Richland Center. During the investigation Durst also delivered heroin on another occasion, however it occurred in a different jurisdiction. 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 investigate and combat area drug trafficking and abuse.

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

Chief Clements and Sheriff Bindl 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.

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DTF Investigation Leads to Drug Arrest

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On December 31st, 2015 members of the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force apprehended a male subject identified as Larry S. Parmer, age 34 of Arena, through a pre-arranged meeting in the Lone Rock area. Parmer was involved in the delivery of a controlled substance, purported to be Heroin. Through this investigation Parmer was arrested for delivery of a Schedule I or II Narcotic Drug. The basis for the arrest stems from a separate, on-going investigation where subsequent charges of possession and delivering of Heroin are expected to be forwarded to the Richland County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

According to Sheriff James J Bindl, “We will continue to take the necessary steps to combat drug delivery and drug use in Richland County. These activities are not welcome here.”

The Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force, as well as Richland County District Attorney Jennifer Harper, continue to fight against Narcotic drug use and distribution of drugs in the area. Citizens are encouraged to work with law enforcement in that fight. Anyone with information related to illegal drugs or any other crime can call the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the Richland Center Police Department or call Crime Stoppers at 647-CLUE (647-2583).

Involved: Larry S. Parmer, age 34, Arena, WI.

Richland –Iowa-Grant DTF

Drug Task Force Executes Search Warrant – 3 Arrested

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Crook - Rundle - Williams

Crook – Rundle – Williams

On 12/05/15 members of the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence at 352 E Exchange St in the Village of Lone Rock. While performing the search warrant, numerous items of drug paraphernalia, Methadone, Morphine, as well a quantity of Crystal Methamphetamine was located. Three suspects were located during the search and were arrested. Leanne K. Rundle, age 33 of Lone Rock, was charged with Resisting/Obstructing an Officer, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic. Sean T. Williams, age 37 of Lone Rock was also charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Toney J. Crook, age 26 of Lone Rock, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Bail Jumping. Child Protective Services was contacted in regards to children living at the residence. Five dogs were also located and removed from the residence due to poor living conditions. Investigations are still ongoing at this time. Members of the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force and the Richland County DA Office has assisted in this investigation.

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Suspicious Vehicle Leads to Drug Arrests

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pressReleaseHandcuffsOn November 21st, 2015 at approximately 1:50 A.M a deputy from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department stopped to investigate a suspicious vehicle with two occupants inside, behind the Village of Viola Post Office. The two occupants inside vehicle were identified as Kevin Anderson, and Christina Stone. When contact was made with Anderson and Stone, an odor of marijuana was present coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle and persons inside was conducted. During the search 129.8 grams of marijuana was recovered from inside the vehicle as well as 2.1 grams of cocaine and other drug paraphernalia. Four grams of cocaine was also found on Anderson during a search of his person. Anderson was arrested and transported to the Richland County jail and is facing charges of possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, and obstructing an officer. Stone was also arrested and transported to the Richland County jail. Stone is facing charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Anderson is currently being held in the Richland County jail on felony drug charges.

WHEN: 11-21-2015 TIME of Incident: 1:50am

WHO Involved: Kevin T. Anderson, 12-09-1969, of Viola, WI and Christina S. Stone, 02-18-1991, of La Farge, WI

WHERE Incident Happened: Viola, WI Post Office parking lot.

ARREST or CHARGES: Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Deliver, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Obstructing an Officer.

Richland County Sheriff’s Department

Second Offense OWI and Drug Charges

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On October 9th, 2015 at approximately 3:20 AM Deputies observed two vehicles in the village of Lone Rock traveling on Union Street. As one of the deputies was following the two vehicles they turned onto Pearl Street. The vehicles then left the roadway and drove through a yard to a residence located on the 300 block of East Pearl Street. Deputies then made contact with the occupants of both vehicles and noticed that the driver of one of the vehicles showed signs of impairment. The driver was verbally identified as Corey L Girton. Girton was asked to perform standardized field sobriety tasks at that time. After the tasks were performed Girton was arrested for operating while under the influence 2nd offense and operating after revocation. A search of the vehicle was conducted after the arrest. Recovered from the vehicle was close to a half ounce of marijuana as well as other drug paraphernalia. Girton was booked into the Richland County jail on felony drug charges as well as the operating while under the influence 2nd offense.

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