WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and SportsSix people arrested in connection to Trempealeau County burglaries

Six people arrested in connection to Trempealeau County burglaries

Trempealeau County (Press Release) - The Trempealeau County Sheriff's Department has experienced a number of burglaries and vehicle break-ins over the last several months. 

"As a result of a joint effort between the residents of Trempealeau County, sheriff's department staff, local police departments, and neighboring law enforcement agencies a number of the individuals responsible for these crimes have been identified," Sheriff Richard Anderson advised. 

Investigations into these crimes have resulted in the arrest of six individuals including:

• David Peaslee II, age 25, of Ettrick, Wisconsin (arrested by Trempealeau County Sheriff's Department)
• Daniel Iverson, age 19, of Black River Falls, Wisconsin (arrested by Trempealeau County Sheriff's Department)
• Trevor Hieb, age 19, of Black River Falls, Wisconsin (arrested by Trempealeau County Sheriff's Department)
• Nicole Carpenter, age 18, of Blair, Wisconsin (arrested by Trempealeau County Sheriff's Department)
• Lonnie Whittaker, age 19, of Viroqua, Wisconsin (arrested by La Crosse County Sheriff's Department)
• Jordan Kudrna, age 18, of Taylor, Wisconsin (arrested by Trempealeau County Sheriff's Department)

As a result of continued investigations it is expected that at least five other individuals will be referred to the Trempealeau County District Attorney's Office for possible charges, as a result of their involvement in these crimes.      

"The Trempealeau County Sheriff's Department continues to follow-up on additional leads.  At this time it appears that there are as many as six separate groups or individuals responsible for the burglaries and thefts that occurred in Trempealeau County during the past couple months," said Sheriff Anderson.  

Sheriff Anderson advised that if not for the assistance of residents of Trempealeau County some of these crimes may have gone unsolved.  "On behalf of the Trempealeau County Sheriff's Department I would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents, Sheriff's Department staff and local Police Departments for all the time and effort that was put into these investigations," advised Sheriff Anderson. 

There are still other burglaries and thefts that remain unsolved.  "These thefts and burglaries are crimes of opportunity; however residents can minimize their chances of being a victim by taking a few simple steps," said Sheriff Anderson. 

• Lock your residence at all times.
• Never leave an electronic garage opener in your vehicle.  It can provide easy access to your home.
• Keep all car doors and windows closed and locked - even if it's just a quick errand.
• Do not leave valuables or packages in plain sight in your vehicle.
• If your vehicle has a built in security system, use it.
• Park your vehicle in an area that is visible to the public and well-lit at night.
• Keep a list of serial numbers, include make and model information, as well.

If you see something that looks suspicious, please contact the Sheriff's Department.  Suspicious activity may include:  a person looking into parked cars, persons pulling on car handles, the sound of breaking glass or a car alarm.  Any vehicle without lights at night, cruising slowly, or following a course that seems aimless or repetitive is suspicious in any location. 

Residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately about all suspicious activity.  "The eyes and ears of the community are essential in solving and preventing these types of crimes," said Sheriff Anderson.