Ft. McCoy Criminal Investigation Division (CID)

In reviewing the Chippewa County Sheriff's Department (CCSD) Investigative Reports I saw that a Special Agent from Ft. McCoy CID had made contact with CCSD regarding Russell's death.

When I was able to make contact with Agent Wahl, I no longer felt like I was crazy.  After several calls with the Sheriff's Department, Coroner, ME and other people who treated us as if we were emotionally unstable people unable to accept this "terrible accident".  Our questions not only went unanswered, but were turned around on us to make it seem as if it was ludicrous that we would have such questions, let alone that we actually believed those in authority would have answers to those questions.

I explained to Agent Wahl who I was and why I was calling.  I told him that I just didn't understand how the investigation was over and that nothing more would be answered.  Agent Wahl said something to the effect of, "I'll be honest with you ma'am, it's all left me wanting as well."

Agent Wahl went out of his way to help me with suggestions on how to move forward, what to do to obtain additional reports and information.  Because Russell wasn't on duty or on Military property, CID did not have jurisdiction over his investigation, but they did contact CCSD and request all reports and info be forwarded to them.  Agent Wahl couldn't share with me what was contained within his reports and conversations with CCSD, but gave me all of the information I would need to request and obtain these reports through the Freedom of Information Act.  He then also gave me idea's on what he believed would help us get the case re-opened.  Once the case was re-opened by a law agency, that agency could then request the assistance of CID to investigate.  He also pointed out that often small counties do not have a budget for such investigations and that CID would cover the costs and actual investigation itself.

When this information was shared with CCSD we thought this was a "fix-all" for everyone.  No such luck!  According to the Sheriff, CID was welcome to come in and investigate, but CID would have to request to investigate.  The Sheriff refused to officially re-open the case and request CID to take over.  I've never understood this stance.  Why wouldn't CCSD "hand it over to CID"?  It wouldn't cost them anything and if they are SO CERTAIN that there was nothing more to be found, then why deny our request?  Whatever the reason; it's more important to CCSD than it is to satisfy the family's need for answers and closure.

When I received the CID reports I couldn't believe the differences between them and CCSD's investigative reports.  According the CCSD reports, the Lead Detective in Russell's case was told there was no need to respond to the scene of death, only about 15 minutes after the Sheriff arrived on scene, because there was nothing suspicious.  Yet the Sheriff reported in a News Interview that this was being treated as a crime scene and criminal investigation.  The CID report indicated that one of the Sheriff's Detectives stated that the detective (the detectives name was "blacked out" in the report so I do not know for certain that it was the same Lead Detective or another detective from CCSD) didn't believe that Russell could have fallen down the hill as the investigative report stated because there were too many trees that would have stopped his body before coming to the stop at the location in which he was found.  Yet this point has never been investigated.

Agent Wahl suggested that once I received the CID reports from FOIA that I take all of this information to WI state representatives, congressmen, etc.  Every agency I turned to including the WI Department of Justice could not be of assistance because none of these agencies have jurisdiction over a county agency.  Are you serious?  So a Sheriff's Department, ran by a mere man, doesn't honestly answer to anyone?  If anyone questions him, it's completely at his discretion as to how to proceed?  He answers to no-one?

Sadly, that is one of the few concrete answers that have come of all of this.  The Sheriff has some sort of unlimited power in the county and no-one in or near the county wishes to challenge him because of it.  Aside from wanting answers, justice and closure in the death of my nephew, there is another, secondary goal to our quest for justice.  And that is to get the law(s) changed so that the Sheriff is not an "all-powerful" individual who simply must be a politician in order to maintain his job.

Praying that each of your needs are given up to the One Who can and will ensure they are met.

Sincerely,
~ Peggy ~

Please feel free to follow this Blog and share it with any whom you feel may have interest.