For More Information Contact:
Bill Cosh 608/266-1221
MADISON – Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has announced that Joshua Burlin appeared before the Honorable Scott McAndrew in Dane County Circuit Court for an initial appearance on the criminal charges stemming from an investigation into the business activities of Mr. Burlin and his company, Madison Locksmith, LLC. At the hearing, the Court ordered that Burlin be released on a signature bond along with conditions that he comply with a no contact order with a crime victim and that he be subjected to the booking process before release.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s criminal complaint, Burlin gave false testimony, while under oath, in a deposition taken by the Department of Justice in December 2009. Specifically, Burlin falsely testified that he had never listed fictitious addresses on the internet for his locksmith business, despite previous statements to others (including a television appearance) where he explains that the false addresses are his “points of service.” Burlin also falsely testified that he had never posted fictitious consumer reviews either of his own business or of competing businesses. The complaint alleges that in fact Burlin used false addresses and posted phony reviews on the internet.
Further, the complaint charges Burlin with one count of identity theft for allegedly posting a phony ad on Craigslist stating that a competing locksmith business was for sale. All six counts charged in the complaint are felonies.
A copy of the criminal complaint is available at:
http://www.doj.state.wi.us/news/files/CriminalComplaintFiled07302010.pdf
A criminal complaint is a document alleging a violation of the criminal law. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This matter has been scheduled for further proceedings in Dane County Circuit Court on October 18, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. Assistant Attorneys General Eric D. Défort and John Greene are representing the state in this matter.
