The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that two employees have been arrested and charged for stealing more than $18,000 worth of property from High Noon Solar, a solar‑installation company in the Town of Leeds.
Investigation sparked by contractor report
On Oct. 12, a contractor contacted the sheriff’s office with a tip that an employee might be taking tools from the company’s site. Deputies promptly spoke with the suspect, who admitted to removing several high‑value saw blades and other equipment. The employee, Zachery Turck, 34, of Beaver Dam, turned over the blades that were found in his vehicle.
Additional thefts uncovered
During the interview, Turck also confessed to taking tools on multiple occasions and storing them at his home in Beaver Dam. With assistance from the Beaver Dam Police Department, officers conducted a search of his residence and recovered a large quantity of the missing items.
Second employee implicated
The investigation later revealed that a second employee had helped in the thefts. Madison Police Department detectives worked with the sheriff’s office to locate and arrest the second suspect, Kenneth Williams, 53, of Madison. Williams was taken to the Columbia County Jail and faces the same charges as Turck.
Charges filed
Both men have been charged with theft of moveable property valued between $2,500 and $5,000, as well as conspiracy to commit theft. The charges reflect the seriousness of stealing high‑value equipment that is essential to the solar‑energy industry and the breach of trust involved when employees misuse company assets.
Law‑enforcement collaboration
The arrests underscore the cooperation among local law‑enforcement agencies. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office worked closely with the Beaver Dam Police Department and the Madison Police Department to gather evidence, conduct searches, and secure the arrests. The joint effort demonstrates the commitment of Wisconsin’s local agencies to protect businesses and hold individuals accountable for criminal conduct.
Impact on the community
High Noon Solar provides renewable‑energy services throughout the region, and the theft of tools could have delayed projects and increased costs for customers. By swiftly addressing the crime, authorities aim to restore confidence among local businesses and reassure the public that property crimes will be pursued aggressively.
Next steps
Turck and Williams remain in the Columbia County Jail pending a court appearance. If convicted, they could face fines, restitution, and possible incarceration, depending on the court’s determination of the appropriate penalty for the theft and conspiracy charges.
The sheriff’s office encourages anyone with additional information about the case to contact the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office at (608) 555‑1234.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
