July 3, 2023 – Dodge Co., WI – Over the last week, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office along with numerous other law enforcement agencies in Dodge, Fond du Lac, Winnebago, and Outagamie Counties have been investigating vehicle thefts and vehicle entries.
In Dodge County, the northeastern part of the county was hit with the thefts, particularly along US Highway 175. A coordinated effort took place between our law enforcement agencies to investigate these crimes.
On the morning of June 27, 2023, a suspect was taken into custody in Fond du Lac County, where he remains, pending charges there. We believe that this suspect is the leader of the thefts ring. Previously, two other suspects of the same group were taken into custody in the Fox Valley area and have charges pending.
All the vehicles that were taken without consent in Dodge County have been recovered at this point. Investigations continue into recovering additional stolen property.
It is anticipated that charges will be requested soon related to the incidents specifically occurring in Dodge County. Sheriff Dale Schmidt would like to thank, not only the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office detectives and patrol deputies who worked tirelessly to resolve these incidents, but also the other area law enforcement agencies for the coordinated efforts to take these individuals into custody.
The residents of northeast Dodge County can rest a bit easier knowing these individuals have been arrested. As always, all persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Finally, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public to please lock their vehicles and home/garage doors at all times. Thieves tend to take the path of least resistance and bypass locked vehicles and homes/garages for thefts. Don’t allow your family to be victimized because you left your doors unlocked.