Crime & Safety
Columbia County, WI Theft: $18K in Stolen Tools, 2 Men Charged
Portage, WI – Two Wisconsin men are facing criminal charges after investigators recovered more than $18,000 worth of allegedly stolen tools and construction supplies connected to a solar project in Co
By Natalie Rhodes · 2026-10-26T17:44:30.329Z
Portage, WI – Two Wisconsin men are facing criminal charges after investigators recovered more than $18,000 worth of allegedly stolen tools and construction supplies connected to a solar project in Columbia County.
According to the Columbia County Sheriff 's Office, the investigation began Oct. 12 after a contractor working at the High Noon Solar project in the town of Leeds reported that an employee had allegedly been stealing equipment on multiple occasions.
A responding deputy interviewed an employee who authorities said admitted taking several high value saw blades concealed in his vehicle, along with additional tools and supplies stored at his Beaver Dam residence.
Investigators, assisted by Beaver Dam police, searched the residence with the employee's consent and recovered Milwaukee brand tools, batteries and other construction materials.
Two Employees Arrested in Theft Investigation Authorities identified the first suspect as Zachery Turck, 34, of Beaver Dam, who was arrested Oct. 12 and transported to the Columbia County Jail.
Further investigation allegedly connected a second employee, Kenneth Williams, 53, of Madison, to the thefts.
Williams was arrested Oct. 14 with assistance from the Madison Police Department .
Both men were charged with conspiracy to commit theft of movable property valued between $2,500 and $5,000.
Turck appeared in Columbia County Circuit Court Oct. 13 and received a $1,000 signature bond. However, authorities reported he remained in custody because of a Wisconsin Department of Corrections hold.
Williams appeared in court Oct. 15 and received a $5,000 signature bond.
More Than $18,000 in Property Recovered The contractor valued the recovered stolen property at more than $18,000, according to investigators.
Columbia County Sheriff Roger L. Brandner's office credited the Beaver Dam and Madison police departments for assisting with the recovery and arrests.
The allegations remain subject to court proceedings, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.