11/8/24 Missing Kayaker Maybe on the Run
8 November 2024 News
The search for a missing Watertown man whose kayak was found on Green Lake has taken a twist. During a press conference in Green Lake Friday afternoon Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll said searching the western portion of the Lake where Ryan Borgwardt’s body should have been was thorough but turned up nothing.
On October 7th they renewed their investigative efforts and learned from the Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center that Ryan’s name had been checked by law enforcement in Canada on August 13th, a day after he was reported missing. They later learned Ryan had reported his passport lost or stolen and got another on May 22nd. They contacted Ryan’s wife and brought state and federal investigators into their investigation.
Ryan’s laptop provided a digital trail showing he had planned his disappearance to Europe. Syncing the laptop with iCloud on August 11th he gained access to photos of passports, made inquiries about moving funds to foreign banks, changed email addresses associated with financial accounts on the day of his disappearance. He also had communicated with a woman from Uzbekistan, took out a new $375,000 life insurance policy in January, and purchased an airline gift card. The Sheriff says at this time they believe Ryan is alive and likely in Eastern Europe.
Sheriff Podoll says moving forward their goals include identifying any and all crimes committed, and any individuals who assisted with those crimes. They will also pursue restitution for the expenses of the search that have been funded by taxpayers. The Sheriff also pleaded with Ryan to turn himself in saying there is a family that wants him back.
He asks that anyone with information call the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 920-294-4134, extension 1162 or text GET THEM to 847411 or call the Green Lake County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-GET-THEM, that’s 1-800-438-8436. He also thanked all of those who helped in the search and the local community and Watertown residents for their support in the search and for Ryan’s family.
To read a transcript of Sheriff Mark Podoll’s comments click here.
Share |