Food service employee arrested for sexual assault at Vernon County Jail

March 28, 2025

VIROQUA, Wis. – Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports a 32-year-old woman from Viroqua was arrested earlier this week for sexual assault after an investigation into reports that she had sexual contact with an inmate at the Vernon County Jail.

According to a report from the Sheriff’s Office, Amanda Ann Bjornstad was arrest on Thursday afternoon, March 27, at approximately 3:30 p.m as the result of a report and an investigation that she had sexual contact with an inmate at the Vernon County Detention Center while she was employed by the contracted food service vendor in the jail kitchen. Correctional staff were made aware of the incident(s) late Wednesday, March 27.

The report states that Bjornstad was booked on potential charges of second-degree sexual assault and threats to injure or accuse of crime. 

Bjornstad is expected to appear in Vernon County Circuit Court on Friday, March 28, 2025.  Formal charges will be sought through Vernon County District Attorney Angela Palmer-Fisher.  A charge is merely an accusation. Bjornstad is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Also, as a result of the investigation, Bjornstad is being held for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections stemming from a conviction in Richland County in which she was also serving time on the electronic monitoring program.

In a written statement, Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson stated that “any event that would compromise the safety and security of anyone in our facility is taken with the utmost seriousness.  I would like to thank my entire team for working efficiently during this ongoing investigation.  This will include a review of all protocols in an effort to prevent any future incidents.  Although not a mandated report, Sheriff Torgerson has notified the state jail inspector of the incident(s).”

The victim is receiving services and is not one of the approximately 56 contracted state inmates.

Report also states that Amanda Bjornstad is not a Vernon County employee and the investigation into the incident continues.