JANESVILLE — On Aug. 5 date, two separate complaints were received by dispatch reference citizens receiving calls from a person identifying themselves as a Rock County Deputy. 

This person referred to themselves as “Deputy Sellers” and gave a badge # 6329. In addition, the caller ID showed 608-757-8000, which is the main directory line to the Rock County Sheriff’s Office.  The person both times told the call recipients that they had warrants for their arrest and could post bond by purchasing Kwik Trip Gift cards and giving the confirmation number to the suspect over the phone.  

A press release from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office over the weekend notified citizens that there is no Deputy Sellers who works at the Sheriff’s Office. Furthermore, the Sheriff’s Office would never take bond for a warrant over the phone or accept gift cards as currency to post a bond.   

In the event any citizens have received any recent calls similar in nature, or anytime someone receives a call where the origin and validity seem questionable, the Sheriff’s Office would like to be notified. Members of the public can call the non-emergency number for the Rock County Communications Center at 608-757-2244.

The same day, at approximately 2:30 p.m., a Correctional Supervisor at the Rock County Jail received a call from a citizen that had attempted to put money on the account of an inmate currently being housed at the facility.

The citizen conducted a Google search for “Rock County Bonds” he found a link for a site called “jailexchange.com” which looks affiliated to the Rock County Sheriff’s Office due to photos of the Rock County Jail, an inmate search option, and payments for bonds and commissary. The site also offered bail bonds, which is not a service available in the State of Wisconsin.

“The site has no affiliation with the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. As a reminder, bonds can be paid in person with a picture identification, cash, or credit card in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office,” a press release stated. In addition, funds can be added to an inmate’s commissary or bail account through Access Corrections at accesscorrections.com or by dialing 1-800-546-6283. There are also kiosks available in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office.