WESTBY, Wis, – Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports that on May 23 the Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center received a call reporting a red 2016 Ram 1500 pickup truck was stolen from the parking lot of an automotive sales and service business, located on County Road D in rural Westby, Wis. Information was released to the public via social media and through news outlets about the theft. The owner of the vehicle resides in rural Cashton, Wis. and the value of the vehicle was estimated at $25,000.
Sheriff Torgerson states in his report that on August 1 the vehicle was recovered on private property off of Smythe Avenue in the town of Sterling in rural De Soto, Wis. The report states that numerous parts had been stripped from the vehicle, dramatically reducing its monetary value.
According to the report the investigation continued and on August 4, a hold was placed with the La Crosse County Jail on Edward Alfred Boydston, Jr., 42, for receiving stolen property. Boydston had been arrested on unrelated charges in La Crosse County six days before the vehicle was recovered.
On August 7, Edward Boydston appeared in Vernon County Circuit Court remotely from the La Crosse County Jail. He was released on a $10,000.00 Signature bond and due back in court on September 6th, at 8:30 a.m. Formal charges will be sought through Vernon County District Attorney Angela Palmer-Fisher.
The vehicle was processed for evidence and has since been released to the insurance company that paid the claim. The vehicle will be sold at auction for salvage.
Sheriff Torgerson said the investigation continues and more arrests could be forthcoming.
If you have any information on this crime, or any other crime, call Crime Stoppers at 608-637-8477. You can also submit an online tip at www.p3tips.com Callers and persons submitting tips are eligible for rewards up to $3,000.00 and can remain anonymous.
This guys bond was way too low. Vehicle thieves need to be put away, and should be tried as soon as possible to get these people off the street, mandatory long sentences if found guilty