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Two charged with insurance scam involving boat theft
Co-defendant charged in multiple other theft cases
Boat landing
Anglers motor past the massive pile of sand dredged out of the entrance to the Boscobel boat landing on July 25 as they head out into the Lower Wisconsin River during the afternoon on July 29.

By Gary Mays

gmays@

themonroetimes.com

MONROE — A Monticello man has been charged with multiple felonies after he allegedly arranged for his own boat to be stolen and destroyed so he could pocket about $13,000 in insurance money.

As a result of an investigation by the Green County Sheriff’s Office, Jeremiah L. Strese is charged with felony insurance fraud, as well as misdemeanor theft and resisting/obstructing a police officer.

In an appearance before Circuit Judge Faun Phillipson April 19, the defendant was issued a $5,000 signature bond. A preliminary hearing for Strese is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on May 10.

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.

The trailer for the boat was eventually located in rural Blanchardville. A co-defendant, Dustin J. Olson, also has been charged in the case.

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

Olson is charged with felony burglary, theft, and bail jumping. He is scheduled to appear in court on the charges on May 21. He remains free on $2,000 bond. The boat was later found broken up and buried on a property in the Town of York. 

In addition to the receiving stolen property charge, Olson also has been charged with a possession of cocaine with intent to deliver. In addition, he was also charged with felony theft of movable property in Green County for allegedly taking a skid-loader from a residence in the W3700 block of CTH C, in the Town of Mt. Pleasant. 

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