COLUMBIA COUNTY, Wis.— Two men are facing charges after investigators recovered more than $18,000 in construction equipment allegedly stolen from a solar project in Columbia County.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation began Oct. 12 after a contractor at the High Noon Solar project in the town of Leeds reported suspect employee thefts.
Investigators say 34-year-old Zachery Turck of Beaver Dam admitted to taking tools and other items from the job site on multiple occasions. He also told investigators the stolen property was stored at his home.
With help from the Beaver Dam Police Department, deputies and detectives searched the home and recovered a large quantity of items, including Milwaukee-brand tools, batteries and other construction supplies. The company valued the recovered property at more than $18,000.
The investigation also led authorities to a second employee, 53-year-old Kenneth Williams of Madison, who investigators say was involved in the thefts. Williams was arrested Oct. 14 with assistance from the Madison Police Department.
Both men have been charged with conspiracy to commit theft of moveable property valued between $2,500 and $5,000.
Turck received a $1,000 signature bond but remains in custody on a Department of Corrections hold. Williams received a $5,000 signature bond.
The cases are proceeding in Columbia County Circuit Court.
