12/11/24 Confirmed Ryan Borgwardt in Custody
11 December 2024 News
BORGWARDT MAKES INITIAL COURT APPEARANCE
The Watertown man accused of faking his drowning and traveling to Eastern Europe is back in Wisconsin and facing charges. Forty-five-year-old Ryan Borgwardt was charged yesterday with misdemeanor obstruction in Green Lake County court. He’s back in court January 13th. Sheriff Mark Podoll wouldn’t say what brought Borgwardt back, “I can’t release that. That’s all part of the investigation yet going on, but I just want to thank everybody again for all the support that they have given my department.” Borgwardt is free on a $500 signature bond. County officials may seek $40,000 in restitution to cover the costs for a 56-day search of Green Lake, where Borgwardt faked his drowning while kayaking in August. During yesterday morning’s press conference the Sheriff said he is relieved with the outcome and and proud of his department. He thanked those involved in the investigation and the search singling out Chief Deputy Matt Vande Kolk and Detective Jeremiah Hanson for their diligence in the case.
BORGWARDT IN CUSTODY
Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll this morning confirmed they have Ryan Borgwardt in custody in their jail. During a press conference the Sheriff said the 45-year-old Watertown man got on board a plane and landed in the U.S. Tuesday. He surrendered at the Justice Center in Green Lake after that. The Sheriff did not elaborate on where Borgwardt had flown from. Borgwardt had faked his own death capsizing a kayak on Green Lake on August 11th. After that he rode an eBike to Madison, took a bus to Detroit, then to Canada and flew out of the country. It is believed he went to Eastern Europe to be with a woman from Uzbekistan. Sheriff Podoll says a number of charges will be referred against Borgwardt including obstruction related to the 56-day search of Green Lake and subsequently restitution for that search. Podoll said Borgwardt is cooperating with their investigation. The Sheriff says he is relieved with the outcome and proud that Borgwardt turned himself in and proud of his department. He thanked those involved in the investigation and the search singling out Chief Deputy Matt Vande Kolk and Detective Jeremiah Hanson for their diligence in the case. The Sheriff says it is going to be a great Christmas.
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