MONROE — Green County Sheriff Jeff Skatrud said Monday that recent tips from callers may have gotten detectives closer to tracking down a man who has been scamming businesses out of hundreds of dollars throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois in recent weeks.
Skatrud said the department has “received multiple tips” and detectives are investigating “as we speak.” He said there was “a lot of good information to work with,” giving him hope that the individual will be caught.
The suspect, an unidentified white male, has been approaching cashiers at local businesses in cities like Monroe, Brodhead, Darlington and Cuba City and communities like South Wayne, Galena and throughout parts of northern Illinois as well as Dane County. One of the thefts occurred Jan. 25 at a business along County DR.
According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, the man generally attempts to convince a cashier that he knows the owner of the business and has permission to borrow money. He has reportedly been telling workers that his wife was involved in a serious car accident and that he needs money for a tow truck. Skatrud said there is no indication whether the man is working with anyone else.
Usually the cash the suspect manages to take ranges around $150 each time. Skatrud said he did not know how much total had been taken from the businesses.
The press release by Skatrud describes the suspect as “highly skilled in manipulating the business employees” but had not exhibited any signs of violence or threatened anyone.
The man, wearing a dark jacket and jeans with a dark hat, has been shown on surveillance videos driving a gray or silver SUV.
Chief Deputy Tom Moczynski has said previously that any area business workers should call their employers right away if someone comes into the building to say they were approved to get cash from the business.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Green County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-I-C-CRIME, 800-422-7463, or text “GREENTIP” plus the message to 274637. Callers are eligible for a reward and may remain anonymous.