DATE: June 11, 2024
SUBJECT: Potential 980 Release – Town of Trenton
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Martin R. Schulteis
WEST BEND, WI - Last week sheriff’s office investigators canvassed homes in response to a proposed order from Outagamie County Circuit Court regarding case 1996CI1. The sheriff’s office staff made door-to-door contact with 122 homes that are within a 1500’ radius from the proposed placement of a Chapter 980 offender at a Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) known as “A Passion for Caring, LLC” located at 6893 Eastwood Trail in the Town of Trenton.
In the court order, Circuit Court Judge Emily I. Lonergan found “good cause” to look outside of Outagamie County for placement of Paul E. Schabow who was committed on July 18, 1997, as a Sexually Violent Person under Wisconsin Chapter 980.
The details of that release are included in the letter the sheriff’s office received from the Department of Health Services on May 31, 2024. That letter is included as an attachment to this release and provides transparency as to why county leadership and Trenton officials are concerned with this proposed placement.
As a result of the canvass, our office believes there are disqualifiers in state statute that would prohibit the placement for the court to reconsider.
First, there is a town designated park within the restricted distance. Utilizing information from the Washington County Geographic Information Service (GIS), the entrance to a town park is approximately 1195’ from the proposed residence. The playground equipment is located approximately 1262’ from the proposed residence.
Secondly, there is a current in-home daycare facility that is seeking state licensing to increase the number of children under care within the radius. This licensing request was pending before the notification from DHS was sent to the county. This potential childcare facility is less than 500’ from the proposed placement. Although there is a daycare restriction within state statues for a 980 release, it should be noted the violations did not involve victims under the age of 18.
The sheriff’s office is working closely with the county attorney, the county executive’s office, and the Town of Trenton to ensure that these concerns are made known to the court of jurisdiction. Also attached to this release is Washington County’s Affidavit in Support of Motion to Intervene and Washington County’s answer to respondent’s argument for out of county placement.
Documents: Motion to Intervene - Letter to Sheriff - Answer to Argument of Placement