News Summary
A Wisconsin man was sentenced to 89 days in jail for orchestrating an elaborate scheme to fake his own death. The plot began with the discovery of his capsized kayak, leading authorities to search for him in Green Lake. After a series of events which included taking out a life insurance policy and planning to start a new life in Georgia, he ultimately returned to face the consequences of his actions. The judge emphasized the importance of deterrence in his sentencing to discourage similar behavior in the future.
Wisconsin Man Sentenced to Jail for Elaborate Fake Death Scheme
In an unusual twist straight out of a movie plot, a 45-year-old man from Wisconsin has been sentenced to 89 days in jail for what can only be described as a dramatic attempt to escape his life by faking his own death. Ryan Borgwardt’s story started to unfold when he was reported missing on August 12, 2024, after local authorities found his capsized kayak and fishing gear in the depths of Green Lake. Initially, the situation looked grim, with hopes of finding him dwindling and the community fearing the worst as they searched for signs of a potential drowning.
The Plot Thickens
Initially, Borgwardt pleaded not guilty to the charges of **obstructing law enforcement**. However, in a surprising turn of events, he later opted for a plea of no contest. The court took his actions seriously, tying his sentence directly to the number of days he misled authorities about his whereabouts. Not only was he sentenced to nearly three months in jail, but Borgwardt also received a hefty bill for the search operation costs, totaling $30,000, which spanned nearly two months and involved divers, underwater drones, and cutting-edge sonar equipment searching over 7,000 acres of lake.
His Grand Escape
Borgwardt’s story doesn’t end with a simple disappearance. In fact, it was an elaborate scheme that took months to plan. His idea of faking his death wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision; it involved meticulous planning. The intention was to start fresh in Georgia, an aspiration that came with an international twist as he considered a woman he had met online. With aspirations of a brand-new life, he went as far as reversing a vasectomy and taking out a life insurance policy. Imagine that! He even managed to get a new passport and transferred money overseas to get things moving. The choice of Green Lake was intentional as well; Borgwardt believed the lake’s depth would hide any evidence of foul play.
Unraveling the Tale
In a somewhat humorous twist, Borgwardt did not actually drown. Instead, he cleverly returned to shore using a small inflatable boat. His escape continued as he rode an electric bike to Madison, Wisconsin, before making his way from the United States to Canada and eventually reaching his destination in Georgia. Just when he thought he had evaded law enforcement, a Russian-speaking woman alerted local authorities about his whereabouts, initiating a series of events that resulted in his identification.
When contacted by sheriff’s deputies via video call, Borgwardt continued to hold on to his ruse, claiming he was safe in Georgia. However, the legal team had other ideas. Law enforcement encouraged him to make a voluntary return to Wisconsin, which he did in December, much to the shock of his family and community.
Consequences and Reflections
The aftermath of Borgwardt’s escapade was tough. Just four months after his return, his wife filed for divorce, and Borgwardt expressed his regrets. His attorney noted that he now felt “deep regret” and had returned to take responsibility for his actions. The judge, understanding the seriousness of this situation, focused on deterrence during sentencing, hoping to dissuade others from trying to evade their responsibilities in such dramatic fashions.
Lessons Learned
This curious case highlights fascinating issues about the lengths some individuals will go to escape their lives and responsibilities. It raises questions not just about personal choices but also about the impact of such actions on families, friends, and the community as a whole. With Borgwardt’s story now behind bars, it serves as a reminder of the power of truth and the consequences of deception.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Faking One’s Own Death
- WMTV News
- Google Search: Wisconsin man faked death
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fake Death
- WTMJ News
- Google News: Wisconsin man faked death
- AP News
- BBC News
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
