Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
Shawano County authorities early Monday morning were called to a complaint of possible drug use in the parking lot at the Ho-Chunk Casino in the town of Wittenberg.
Casino employees reported that a man in a van took out a small baggie, put something in the palm of his hand and snorted it.
That case is still pending, but it is only the latest in what seems to be an increasingly frequent occurrence, according to records from the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department.
According to statistics provided by the sheriff’s department, there were 28 drug-related calls to the Ho-Chunk Casino, N7198 U.S. Highway 45, between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016, an average of a little more than two a month.
A review of daily incident lists also shows that deputies handled 15 drug-related calls at the casino just since July; five in July, five in August and five so far this month.
Authorities say the high number of calls is actually a good thing.
“They’re getting stopped and their drugs are being taken away,” said Chief Earl Lemieux of the Ho-Chunk Nation Police Department.
The sheriff’s department works collaboratively with Ho-Chunk police, but sheriff’s deputies usually respond to drug complaints at the casino, Lemieux said.
Most of the calls involved drug activity reported to be taking place in the casino parking lot.
Lemieux said those engaging in that kind of activity generally go into the casino first, then exit to their vehicles after a while, where they might not realize they are still under surveillance.
“They were surprised there were even video cameras outside,” Lemieux said, even though the parking lot is marked as being under surveillance.
Lemieux said drug users might feel they can blend in better at casinos and go unnoticed. Meanwhile, he said, the Ho-Chunk’s high profile location on U.S. Highway 45 and a mile off of state Highway 29 is also a draw.
Lemieux credits the surveillance and the diligence of casino security with the high number of drug arrests.
He said Ho-Chunk police also have a great relationship with Shawano County authorities.
Sheriff’s Capt. Tom Tuma said the number of drug complaints at the casino doesn’t necessarily mean there is more drug use going on there, but that more drug users are being caught.
“We’re seeing an escalation of drug use throughout the region. It’s happening all over,” Tuma said. “Here they have an opportunity to catch them.”
He also credited the “phenomenal security system and great workers” at the casino.
“They have the resources and they have the staff. They’re devoted to the integrity of their business. They’re watching and they’re identifying people,” Tuma said. “We have a real partnership in proactive policing in that community.”
One disheartening thing, however, Tuma said, is that the activity goes on in spite of the arrests.
“It’s a little disturbing,” he said. “You’d think these folks would get the point by now.”
AT A GLANCE
Recent drug arrests at the Ho-Chunk Casino in the town of Wittenberg include the following:
• On Sept. 12, authorities responded to a report of suspicious activity involving a woman seen on surveillance video climbing into a van with a black pouch in her hand.
Kyleen A. Rought, 25, of Wausau, was subsequently charged with felony counts of possession of methamphetamine and bail jumping and ordered held on a $500 cash bond.
Rought could face a maximum 3½ years in prison and $10,000 fine for possession of meth and six years and $10,000 fine for bail jumping. She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 28.
• On Sept. 3, two men were arrested after Ho-Chunk surveillance reported a man using a syringe in the front seat of a vehicle and then passing it to another man in the back seat.
Sheriff’s deputies investigating the incident eventually arrested two men and located drugs, paraphernalia and a loaded handgun in the vehicle.
David A. Riskus, 28, of Oconto, was charged with possession of meth, possession of marijuana and possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
He was ordered held on a $500 cash bond is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Monday.
Jason C. Smith, 31, of Elton, was charged with felony counts of possession of meth, possession with intent to deliver meth, which carries a maximum penalty of 12½ years in prison and $25,000 fine, and possession of marijuana.
Smith waived his preliminary hearing Monday and pleaded not guilty. He was scheduled for a pre-trial conference Sept. 12. He is being held on a $500 cash bond.