WISCONSIN COMPUTER THIEVES DUE IN COURT The Daily Press - Ashland, WI: "3 charged in computer theft due in court
By RICK OLIVO
The Daily Press
Friday, January 20th, 2006 10:12:44 AM


A trio of Mason residents face status conferences in court proceedings related to their alleged involvement in the theft of over a dozen laptop computers from the Marengo Valley School last August 1.

Charged with burglary of a building or dwelling as partner to a crime are Paul C. Fischer, 19, and his wife Renee Joy Fischer. Charged with receiving stolen property with a value of less than $2,500 is Dane C. Fischer. The burglary charges are Class 'F' felonies, carrying a fine of up to $25,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to 12 years. The receiving stolen property charge is a Class 'A' misdemeanor, carrying a fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to nine months.

A 16-year-old juvenile was also arrested in the case and has been referred to the Ashland County Human Services Department.

Paul Fischer and Renee Fischer both have status conferences scheduled for January 30 at 1:45 p.m. in Ashland County Circuit Court, while Dane Fischer has a status conference on January 23 at 1:45 p.m. in Ashland County Circuit Court.

Dane Fischer and Renee Fisher are currently free on $2,000 signature bonds, while Paul Fisher is free on a $5,000 signature bond.

According to court documents, Paul Fisher, working with the 16-year-old juvenile, used a butter knife and a screwdriver to gain access to the school through a window. Once inside, they gathered the laptops and a tower computer and loaded them onto a car driven by Renee Fischer. The criminal complaint said that the stolen items were then taken to Renee Fischer's home and a computer was later given to Dane Fischer, who accepted it, knowing that it was stolen.

According to Ashland County Sheriff John Kovach, Ashland County Deputy Sergeant Bruce Joanis, acting on "street information," visited the Fischer residence and interviewed Renee Fischer, who admitted to the break-in. Ashland County Investigator Ken Johnson worked with military officials to interview Paul Fischer, who also confessed to the crime, as did the unnamed juvenile.

Most of the computers were recovered, except one that was destroyed and another that was taken apart. The value of the stolen items was placed at $25,101, Kovach said