This morning in Dodge County Circuit Court, convicted Chapter 980 Sex Offender Robert Larson Jr had his case brought before the court for possible placement into the community. Robert Larson Jr was one of 2 individuals that were placed in the Brownsville area in 2015 and were subsequently removed by the courts after additional information was discovered by the Sheriff’s Office that this placement was inappropriate. The new location that was brought before the court today was N1701 Neuberger Rd, Reeseville which lies within the Town of Lowell.
Prior to this hearing the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) was asked by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to conduct an investigation into this residence. As part of that investigation, DOC requested that the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office provide input into this potential placement. Sheriff Dale Schmidt ordered an investigation into this residence and it was found that there were a number of homes that fall between 1500 and 2000 feet from the Neuberger Rd address.
There are currently 14 children who live in those homes, 8 additional children who visit those homes regularly, and one of those homes holds school for 13 additional children during school hours Monday through Friday. In summer months, it was learned that one of these homes also acts as a summer day care type home.
Sheriff Schmidt responded to the DOC in an email saying “I am strongly opposed to placement at this location for a number of reasons” citing the above listed information. Sheriff Schmidt continued by saying “I strongly oppose this being approved as it is not a suitable location for housing these subjects.
Wisconsin law states that placement of these individuals within 1500 feet of residents with children is illegal. It is silent on placement outside of 1500 feet which is the case here.
As a result, the court conditionally approved the plan, pending some additional reports from DHS.
There will be another hearing on March 22 for another individual Jonathan Miller who is also a Chapter 980 Sex Offender to be placed at the same residence. If the placement plans are approved, the Sheriff will hold a community notification meeting which will be scheduled in the Reeseville area to answer questions in regards to the placement.
The Sheriff’s Office completely understands that the residents will be upset, but we ask for civility and self-restraint. Sheriff Schmidt will continue in his efforts to raise his concerns before additional placement decisions are made in attempt to urge for a more suitable location.
Additional information can be obtained by contacting Sheriff Dale J Schmidt.