Two people face drug charges following Dec. 8 traffic stop south of Viroqua

Dec.22, 2024

VIROQUA, Wis. – Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports the arrest of Ryan M. Volden, 41, of Soldiers Grove, WI and Michelle Joan Hays, 47, of Viroqua following a traffic stop in the town of Franklin, rural Viroqua/Soldiers Grove, Wis.

According to Sheriff Torgerson, on Sunday evening, Dec. 8 at approximately 6:30 a Vernon County Sheriff’s deputy stopped a pickup truck on County Road J south of Viroqua. Upon further investigation, Volden was taken into custody on probable cause for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and two counts of felony bail jumping.

Hays was taken into custody for possession of methamphetamine, possession of tetrahydrocannabinol, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony bail Jumping and misdemeanor bail jumping.

Both Volden and Hays were booked into the Sheriff’s Office Detention Center and appeared in Vernon County Circuit Court on December 9 for a bail hearing. The court set bond at $1,000 cash for Volden and $500 for Hays. Both posted bail and were due back in court on December 20.

Formal charges will be sought through Vernon County District Attorney Angela Palmer-Fisher. A charge is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Sheriff Torgerson reports the investigation in this case is ongoing.