BOSCOBEL, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and Grant County Sheriff’s Office today announced that Zachary B. Dresen was charged on December 6 2019 for five counts of possession of child pornography. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office became an affiliate of the Wisconsin ICAC Task Force in October 2019.

“DOJ and its more than 280 affiliate partners on the Wisconsin ICAC Task Force, like the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, are working together to keep our communities safe,” said Attorney General Kaul. “This case and many others across the state show the impact of that collaborative work by law enforcement.”

“The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is excited about the opportunity we have to partner with the Wisconsin Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, as it provides a strong collaboration to help fight crimes against children. To be part of the task force for such a short time and have an immediate case, demonstrates the necessity of local law enforcement partnering with DOJ and ICAC.  We look forward to working with ICAC in the future to help protect the children of Grant County and the State of Wisconsin.”

On December 4, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Mr. Dresen’s residence, and he was taken into custody. Mr. Dresen was booked in the Grant County Jail on December 4. A booking photo of Mr. Dresen is attached.

As in any criminal proceeding, Mr. Dresen is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This investigation is led by the ICAC Task Force at DOJ and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Boscobel Police Department, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations.

The Wisconsin ICAC Task Force was launched in 1998 to help federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies protect kids online by investigating individuals who use the internet, online communications, or computer technology to exploit children. The Wisconsin ICAC Task Force is comprised of DOJ personnel, as well as more than 280 police and sheriff’s offices from around the state.

A criminal complaint is available on request.