Missing person case now death investigation in Dodge Co. | By Dodge Co. Sheriff

July 3, 2024 – Dodge Co., WI – The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office has had continuous investigation into the disappearance of Crystal Rasch, and through the investigation it has been determined that his case is no longer a missing person investigation, but it has transitioned to a death investigation.

No details regarding the death investigation will be released to maintain the integrity of the investigation as this is still a very active investigation.

Sheriff Dale Schmidt would like to once again remind the public that this is a private matter for the family, and they have asked to not be contacted for comment or statement.  We thank the community for their support of the family, but they need time as they move through this very difficult grieving process.

Further information will be made available to the public at the appropriate time.

Updated Information:

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to the investigation into the disappearance of Crystal Rasch and has dedicated every available resource to locating her.  As part of the investigation, earlier this week, investigators were able to look into the financials of Crystal.  We found that numerous transactions had taken place using her financial accounts.  In a criminal complaint filed this morning, it explained that Crystal’s estranged husband, Zachariah Rasch, age 42 of rural Clyman, was responsible for those transactions and they were processed without consent.  As a result, he was arrested on numerous counts of alleged unauthorized use of an individual’s personal identifying information.  The criminal complaint was filed with the Dodge County Circuit Court on today’s date.

Zachariah Rasch made his initial appearance in court today at 12:45a.m. and probable cause was found by the court commissioner.  A $250,000 cash bond was issued, and he remains in custody in the Dodge County Jail.  Of course, all persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the disappearance of Crystal Rasch and while it remains a missing person investigation, given the information that has been discovered and made public today, we also treat this as a case in which a serious felony has likely been committed.  

This again reinforces that only authorized law enforcement professionals are permitted to be involved in our search for Crystal and the investigation of this case to maintain the integrity of the investigation.  We certainly have far more knowledge regarding her disappearance than what we are able to release. However, as in any criminal case, we are not able to release additional as the integrity of the investigation, and potential criminal prosecution that may follow as a result of the case, must be maintained.  

We remain in contact with the family of Crystal and they continue to ask for privacy as they are working through this very difficult time.  The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office staff are committed to finding the answers and locating Crystal.  

No further information will be available for release at this time.  Additional information will be made available as we are able to do so as the investigation progresses.

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office would like thank law enforcement professionals from all over the State of Wisconsin for their assistance in searching multiple locations in Dodge and Adams County (see Adams County Sheriff’s Office press release) over the last several days as we are all committed to locating Crystal

Missing Person Search

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducing a search for a missing person in the Clyman area.  We are currently not releasing details of this investigation, as, at this time we need this to be restricted to law enforcement sanctioned searches.  We ARE NOT currently asking for volunteers to assist with the search, and we are asking, in fact, that people avoid the area.

Law enforcement presence will be increased in the Clyman area and potentially other areas of the county.  The person we are searching for is identified as Crystal Rasch, age 37 of rural Clyman.  A photo is attached to this release.  

If anyone has information related to the location of Crystal Rasch, they can call the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 920-386-4590.

A press conference is planned for 5:00 p.m. at the Dodge County Administration Building, 127 E Oak Street, in Juneau, Wisconsin.  There will be no additional information provided prior to the press conference.

Questions may be directed to Sheriff Dale J. Schmidt