Two rural Kendall men were arrested June 1 after they allegedly attempted to steal copper from a communications tower north of Westby, according to Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson.
Stephen Joseph Nofsinger, 39, and Joshua Reed Quario, 34, were caught in the process of the act and taken into custody at about 11:30 p.m.
Nofsinger and Quario both appeared in Vernon County Circuit Court on Monday, June 3. Nofsinger is currently being held on a $500 cash bond and is due back in court on Monday, June 10, at 11:30 a.m. Quario was released on a $2,000 signature bond and is due back in court Wednesday, July 3, at 8:30 a.m.
Potential charges of criminal damage to property, trespassing, attempted theft, conspiracy to commit these crimes, and party to the crimes on both Nofsinger and Quario are being sought through Vernon County District Attorney Angela Palmer-Fisher. Nofsinger also is expected to be charged with bail jumping.
Torgerson thanked the Westby Police Department for assisting the sheriff’s office.
The investigation continues and more arrests could be forthcoming.
If you have any information about this crime, or any other crime, contact Crime Stoppers by telephone at (608) 637-TIPS (8477), or submit an online tip at www.p3tips.com.
