MONROE — A rural Monticello man who arranged to have his own boat stolen as part of an attempted insurance scam has pleaded no contest and been found guilty of theft charges in Green County Circuit Court.

As part of an apparent plea agreement last month, Jeremiah L. Strese was found guilty before Circuit Judge Faun M. Phillipson of obstructing an officer, and making fraudulent insurance claims. He was subsequently sentenced to 24 months probation, while a 24-month deferred conviction agreement was reached on a felony charge of theft.

Strese, authorities added, has already repaid the costs associated with the excavation, repaid the insurance company for the false claim, and is presently serving a 9-month jail sentence in the Green County Jail.

According to a criminal complaint, Strese reported the boat — a 2002 Bayliner Fish and Ski with a Mercury engine and trailer — stolen to the sheriff’s office on April 17, 2023. Strese then filed a claim with his insurance company.

“Surveillance footage from another property captured the boat being removed from the area by a motor vehicle with distinct features,” police said in a statement. “Following the report to law enforcement, Strese ultimately filed an insurance claim for the reported loss and received reimbursement.”

 A co-defendant, Dustin J. Olson, also was charged in the case.

“Jeremiah paid a (former employee) $1,000 to do it but (the former employee) failed to follow through,” said a criminal complaint. “(Co-defendant) Dustin said he needed the money and would do it for $500.”

Police also found numerous sources of evidence during their investigation, including a broken-up boat unearthed in York Township, with help from county highway crews.

“Among the numerous search warrants executed during the course of this investigation was a property excavation warrant (executed on April 18, 2024 — one year and one day following the initial report by Strese) in which portions of Strese’s boat were ultimately unearthed and recovered from a property in York Township,” the Green County statement said. 

Olson was initially charged with felony burglary, theft, and bail jumping. His next appearance in Green County Circuit Court is set for Dec. 17.

In addition, he was also charged with felony theft of movable property in another incident in Green County for allegedly taking a skid-loader from a residence in the W3700 block of County C in the Town of Mt. Pleasant. 

Olson also has been charged with felony theft in Dane County, according to court records.