GRAND CHUTE, Wis–A member of the Grand Chute Town Board wants answers from the state Department of Justice to questions about an investigation into that body. Supervisor Jeff Ings wrote a letter to Attorney General Josh Kaul asking why a probe into the Town Board continues, 18-months after WHBY News first reported on it.
State agents raided at least one property owned by Supervisor Ron Wolff, looking into questions about his actual residency in the town. Ings wants to know why it has taken so long to wrap up the investigation–and accuses a fellow board member of involving the D-O-J as part of a “political vandetta” against Wolff.
Special Agent Jay Yerges replied via email to Ings’ letter, saying the investigation is continuing and pointing out that he had offered to update Town Board Chairman Jason Van Eperen on the probe, but that offer was not accepted.
I am aware of the recent December 16, 2022 letter you addressed to Attorney General Kaul. While it is well within your purview to communicate with the attorney general, it is typically most efficient to address any investigative questions/concerns to the case agent, which I previously encouraged you to do, as criminal investigators include any/all correspondence with the relevant on-going case. I have also graciously and previously asked to personally meet with the town chairman about the investigation, but he declined my invitation. Due to the complexities and integrity of the open and on-going investigation, no specific information can be released or offered at this time. Mr. Wolff’s attorneys are aware and have been informed on aspects of the referenced on-going investigation.
As a courteous and as referenced, I confirm the investigation continues to be open and on-going. Additional criminal investigative activities occurred as recent as last month in connection with related parties. While I cannot apologize for the unfortunate length of the investigation (investigations unfold in dynamic and fluid ways due to involved circumstances/findings) I can assure you I have progressed the investigation as efficiently and expeditiously as findings, resources and other stakeholders have allowed in relation to the best practices/standards my agency requires. I am optimistic for a case wrap-up as soon as circumstances and resources allow. Lastly, any affected party(s) would formally be served a criminal summons or be arrested for any relevant (attainable) criminal misconduct moving forward, so, any potentially impacted subject would properly and formally be informed/notified directly and not to any other subject/individual.
Should you have any other general investigative-related questions associated with the Grand Chute investigation, feel free to contact me.
Respectfully,
Jay K. Yerges | Special Agent
(Email provided by Wisconsin Department of Justice)
